FTA calls for government action on haulage fuel
Date: 12 November 2007
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Freight groups have reiterated their call for freight vehicles to be treated differently from regular cars when it comes to fuel tax.
With the recent 2p per litre rise in fuel duty, freight hauliers are feeling the pinch because one of their highest operating costs is incurred by diesel.
Now the government must recognise the problems generated by the "rocketing" price of diesel, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) has said.
Bulk diesel prices have increased by 23 per cent over the last three years, with inflation rising at 6.5 per cent in the road freight sector. This compares to just 2.5 per cent in the wider economy, and the difficulties faced by logistics firms can clearly be seen.
"With the $100 barrel in sight, there can be no doubt that fuel costs for industry, delivering the economy, will continue to increase," said FTA chief executive Theo de Pencier.
"If you've got it then it has been in the back of a lorry and the price of operating that lorry is rising remorselessly. Those increased costs will ultimately impact on every UK consumer.
"The UK transport industry is the victim of excessive taxation, and the government must move to correct this long-term problem as soon as possible."
However, the FTA has advised against direct action in the form of blockades or other on-the-road protests by freight haulage vehicles.
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