The lack of progress in developing new HGV testing stations is forcing many transport planning bosses to shell out on extra costs during the recession, it has been claimed.
According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), logistics firms in Wales have been particularly hard-hit following the closure of Llandrindod Wells testing station last September.
Since then, only one new Designated Premises (DP) has been opened in Newtown, which is still almost 30 miles away from Llandrindod Wells.
While officials promise that more DPs are in the pipeline, RHA regional director Mike Farmer said the group Is "extremely concerned" at the lack of progress being made.
"We were assured at the time of the closure that there would be suitable alternative facilities in place and this is patently not the case," he commented.
He added that the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency must now "pull out all the stops" to help provide suitable testing facilities in Wales and reduce the burden on hauliers.
Separately, the RHA also hit out at the proposed 50 per cent increase in tolls on the Tamar Bridge in south-west England, claiming the hike is "unacceptable" in the current climate.
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