16/11/2020 (Agence Europe) – the Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Umberto de Pretto, said on Thursday 12 November that he expected that, "without immediate action by governments", a "shocking number of road transport operators" would go out of business in the coming months. According to research conducted by the organization, the Covid-19 pandemic poses a significant risk of insolvency for the sector, which is mainly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises. The risks are particularly high in Europe, according to the association, which indicates that the expected losses for freight transport operators have increased by two-thirds since the summer. The IRU therefore calls for cash grants to help companies solve their liquidity problems and advocates waiving taxes and charges as well as more flexibility on insurance premiums. (AC)