WORRIED East Lancashire hauliers were today adding up their losses as they tried to keep track of lorries blockaded by irate Frenchmen using violence against British truckers.

About 1,000 UK lorry drivers are trapped in traffic jams caused by the French drivers as part of the pay and conditions dispute, which has already left one needing hospital treatment for cuts and bruises.

Mike Tudor, head of operations at Mellor based Stuart Taylor International, was today awaiting news of seven vehicles.

He said: "Some eventually got through last night, two or three days late.

"One driver rang me absolutely exhausted. He had been trying to get back from Spain for four days and had finally made it to London.

"We also had a load of fruit on for Morrison's. The supplier said it would be the last load they would be doing. The price is dependent on the eventual shelf-life. It goes down the longer it takes to arrive.

"It costs us £350 a day to keep a lorry on the road. We will survive because we have to but November and December are our bonus months.

"We have to make enough to keep us going through the traditionally quiet January and February." Mr Tudor said French drivers had abandoned vehicles on motorways and over junctions to stop the foreign HGVs.

He added: "The police have taken HGVs off the main routes and through the villages they know to be blockaded. They certainly haven't helped the situation."

Great Harwood's C.S.H. Transport Ltd said they had one driver, Martin Falkner, 33, of Clitheroe, trapped at a service station at Bourgen Bresse. He dare not leave for fear of violence.

Transport Manager Mr Stephen Walsh said: "He is with another ten British truckers. They were told there would be trouble if they continued. I suppose it's safety in numbers."

However, several companies today praised the network of truckers and Freight Transport Association for helping drivers beat the blocks.

Richard Cullen, boss of Rossendale's CP Freight, said: "The FTA has been telling us where the blockades are.

"We had two or three stuck earlier this week but most of our drivers are fairly experienced."

The French drivers' demands include earlier retirement, increased salaries and a reduction in diesel duty.

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