THE fleet industry makes a vital contribution to the UK economy and the newly-elected Labour Government must work with the industry to ensure the country's prosperity continues. That was the message from Peter Agar, deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, when he opened the 1997 Fleet Motor Show.

'Fleets are an integral part of economic prosperity and economic growth and you cannot have economic growth without traffic growth,' said Agar, who identified congestion and the environment as the two key issues facing the newly elected government.

Calling the fleet industry dynamic, Agar said: 'The Conservative Government did not deliver a transport strategy, but the Labour Party says it is willing. But it is not clear that it recognises the vital part transport plays in the economy.' He said the CBI would press the new government to increase spending on roads - the CBI wants the annual investment to rise by £2.48 billion to £11.24 billion.