Why is pressure group Transaction 2007 so against the RHA? When they came to see me in the summer, I was struck by the fact that they spent most of the time criticising the RHA and only a short time talking about persuading the Government to reduce fuel duty.
They spoke about taking legal action against the UK over the unfair duty increase..
But my overwhelming impression was that they were focusing their anger on the RHA. I repeatedly suggested that they focus on the real problem. That is not the RHA but the Government.
I was sad therefore sad to read in this week’s Motor Transport that Transaction 2007 is again criticising the RHA. I understand their frustration but forget it guys. It is not the fault of the RHA (or any other trade association), that the Government has increased not decreased fuel duty. You need the trade associations to continue to talk to them.
They will undoubtedly hate me for saying this, but I believe that any protests will not be successful.
The only thing the Government will listen to is mass protests by motorists, similar to the votes against road tolling on the 10 Downing Street web site. Motorists have votes, trucks have none.