Read before the Society, 31 May 1983 In the last quarter of 1979 a continuous sample survey of road freight transport activity was initiated by the CSO. This paper examines the methodology of the survey and provides an analysis of some of the results for 1980, identifying, in the process, elements which are considered most relevant to issues of road freight transport policy. Preliminary results for the last quarter of 1979 were issued in July 1981 and summary results for the year 1980 have been issued recently. Data for the year 1981 are in the course of final preparation and it is expected that set-up delays having been overcome, the results for the continuing survey will be available much closer to the reference date. The survey results, in a summary form, are also communicated to the Statistical Office of the European Communities to conform with an EEC directive.