As the industry braces itself for the 2p/litre fuel duty rise due to hit on Monday, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport Association (FTA) are preparing a "final plea" to make concerns known to the Treasury. Representatives from the associations will hand-deliver a letter to the Treasury this Friday citing the damage the rise will have. They want the increase cancelled or a duty rebate considered.
FTA director of external affairs Geoff Dossetter says the letter is "once
again objecting to the increase and pointing out the damage it does to the industry". RHA chief Roger King promises it is "a visible statement that we won't let this rest", adding that operators think that these rises signal the return of the fuel duty escalator.
"It remains a widespread concern in industry that we've got it back," he says. "We believe the government has chosen not to understand the plight of British hauliers." King points out that rebate systems exist in other European countries. "Why not in the UK?" he asks.
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