The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has warned that a shortage of drivers threatens the economy of every region in the UK. 

A plea has been delivered to prime minister David Cameron by the industry body, calling on the government to step in and commit funding to train more drivers. 

Chief executive officer of the RHA Richard Burnett explained that he wants the Conservatives to act fast and pledge £150 million to driver training in chancellor George Osborne's July Budget statement. 

The national driver shortage is estimated to be in the region of 45,000 - and the situation could deteriorate further, as 35,000 existing drivers are expected to retire within the next two years. 

"The cost of training to be a truck driver is very high - typically some £3,000. This is a serious barrier for individuals wishing to train up," Mr Burnett commented, noting that this barrier could be removed with government funding.