The vice-president of the European Commission (EC) has called for the rules governing road haulage to be simplified.

Although Siim Kallas acknowledged some improvements have already been made in the industry, more can be done to make the system better for the economy and the environment. He stated removing restrictions on cabotage - the process where transport companies carry out national operations in an EU member state other than their own - would allow fleet management to be optimised.

Meanwhile, a report by the EC found that heavy goods vehicles often run empty, either on their way home or between loads. This problem affects 20 per cent of all trucks in the EU.

Vice-president Kallas commented: "The current rules are wasteful for European companies, impact on all road users and are bad for the environment."

The report also showed the EU's road transport industry would face a shortage of drivers over the coming years. It stated the profession was no longer viewed as attractive because working conditions are thought to be too difficult.