The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has called for tougher rules to force overseas hauliers to pay their way on British roads.
According to the UK trade body, the current "bring your own fuel" policy for foreign trucks meant the Treasury missed out on £215 million of potential revenue last year.
The shortfall, revealed in the Department for Transport's own figures last week, prompted the group to call for tougher measures from politicians in order to help recoup the money.
"While the majority of politicians seem to find a consensus on increases in fuel duty, British businesses are in jeopardy because foreign competitors are able to undercut them," said Simon Chapman, FTA's chief economist.
He added that, by limiting the amount of fuel carried in the running tanks of trucks as they come into the country, ministers could improve fairness to British businesses and shore up Treasury coffers.
The call comes after the FTA last week launched the 15th edition of its annual International Road Transport Guide, which offers transport planning bosses advice and information on all the latest overseas regulations.
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