Current restrictions mean foreign drivers can only make two trips to the UK from the continent to make deliveries each week, but the government wants to relax cabotage restrictions to allow drivers to make unlimited journeys within a fortnight.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “The temporary changes we’re consulting on to cabotage rules will also make sure foreign hauliers in the UK can use their time effectively and get more goods moving in the supply chain at a time of high demand.”