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In light of the credit crunch, the government has postponed the planned 2p/lit increase in fuel duty - but the industry insists it is not enough. Fuel duty rates will remain at 50.35p/lit after 1 October Chancellor Alistair Darling says the decision "will help motorists and businesses get through what is a difficult time for everyone".

Road Haulage Association chairman Andy Boyle states: "The government has seen sense now let's move on to the  main event and try to ensure that hauliers stay in business." Geoff Dossetter, director of external affairs at the Freight Transport Association, emphasises that the next target is to decouple the way diesel is charged for CVs from other vehicles.

While Paul Arthurton, owner of Paul Arthurton Transport, believes the decision will help, he says the blame should no longer be directed at the high prices. "We should make fuel a thorn in our side rather than a knife. Companies need to charge the rates needed to make money. If the customer won't pay, then the customer won't get the lorry."

Brian Lee, managing director of Allan Morris Transport, says: "By law, fuel duty escalators should be built into contracts. It is only fair." In response, the Treasury claims: "A 'fair fuel stabiliser' would create anything but stability for the UK economy. They rely on tax windfalls that are unlikely to exist in reality."