This paper addresses three questions: what is a road transport system, how does a road transport system fit into a context of deregulation and how, and by whom, should operations be financed. The author finds that the present organisation of European road transport is based on the concept of supply and demand. In an attempt to find a system giving maximum scope for entrepreneurial philosophy while providing new flow management techniques and information technology, freight and long distance coach services are examined with particular reference to the situation in France. The increasing disparity between large and small enterprises and the effect of 1992 are discussed. It is suggested that funding should be directed towards financing management and information technology. The method developed by Dubois and Corno for monitoring financial trends in haulage enterprises and the trends revealed are described. Figures are found to back up the SAFIDELT model. Banking facilities which are specific to road transport enterprises are considered and those of the German Transport Bank listed. The authors support the establishment of a road transport bank at European level and ways in which it could operate are outlined. Annexes provide further details on road haulage finance.
Abstract