RHA: “Winter of Discontent must not become Summer of Complacency”
The Road Haulage Association has written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer urging him to reconsider the proposed 3.02 pence per litre fuel duty increase, due to take effect on 1 January 2012.
“The price of diesel, despite a temporary dip, is continuing its upward spiral”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “In the past 18 months, as a result of duty and oil price rises, the cost of a litre of diesel has risen by 19%; and that doesn’t even take into account January’s 2.5% increase in VAT.
“For far too long road hauliers have been regarded as a reliable source of income through direct and immediate tax. This industry provides an essential link in today’s supply chain network yet it seems we are being penalised for operating in a cost effective, economically viable and environmentally friendly manner.
“Of course the Chancellor’s decision to cut fuel duty in March came as welcome news to hauliers, as did the news of the plans to introduce a fair fuel stabiliser.
“If the UK road transport industry is to weather this critical stage of economic recovery, the Chancellor MUST reconsider his 3.02.ppl duty rise planned for 1 January and MUST produce a workable solution to stabilise fuel prices. “If these two issues are not tackled as a matter of extreme urgency, the future prospects for the UK economy and its hauliers, at best, look depressing indeed”, Geoff Dunning concluded.
Notes to Editors
For the latest fuel information, go to :
Road Haulage Association – phone us first
For more details, contact RHA Head of Media Relations, Kate Gibbs on . . .
Tel: +44 (0) 1932 838917
Mob: + 44 (0) 7979 531451
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