News

Transaction-2007 plans to hold a meeting with the Road Haulage Association tomorrow to find out whether the RHA supports the fuel protests planned for Saturday. The pressure group had thought it had the backing of the RHA, but earlier this week the RHA issued a statement saying: "The Road Haulage Association feels it necessary to make a number of urgent points concerning the Association and the pressure group calling itself 'Transaction  2007'.

“The RHA is not 'in association with' the pressure group, although this assertion is made on its website. The expressions used such as 'RHA/Transaction 2007 members' are highly misleading, implying a relationship which does not exist.

"The RHA has never been involved in negotiations with 'Transaction 2007' but has, as a matter of courtesy, held discussions with RHA members who are also part of the pressure group. The RHA will always support members who wish to protest legally where members have expressed that wish through the RHA regional organisation. Comments within 'Transaction 2007' suggesting that legal and peaceful protests would produce no results and that more direct action should be taken are unacceptable."

Transaction founder Mike Presneill says that despite the RHA backing off, the protests will go ahead as planned. “The support for the protests from the industry, the general public and the farming fraternity is strong.” He adds Transaction is  realistic and is not quoting numbers like those quoted in some national papers which suggested there would be 10,000 protesters. “We are not putting numbers on it.”

• Read more about the Fuel Protests here.