The British International Freight Association (BIFA) has expressed concern that the rise in fuel tax announced in the Budget will further impede the ability of UK freight forwarders to compete with Continental competitors.
The Chancellor announced that fuel duty is set to rise by 2p a litre this year - deferred until October - then up 2p next year and 1.8p in 2009. Colin Beaumont, Director-General of BIFA, said: “Whilst we recognise t
he Chancellor's prudence in increasing fuel duty in line with inflation and deferring the increase, we still believe that the rise will make our members less competitive against operators from mainland Europe.
“The British International Freight Association will study the Chancellor’s budget closely and, where appropriate, will continue to lobby government to ensure that our members are given the opportunity to operate competitively.”
However, BIFA welcomed the promise of new funds for enforcing regulations on foreign lorries in the UK, as well as the detection of illegitimate foreign operators.
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