BCC calls for fuel duty increase to be scrapped
Date: 23 January 2008
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has urged the government to scrap the proposed 2p per litre increase in fuel duty planned for April.
It is thought that such a move could cost the freight haulage industry around £170 million, severely damaging the competitiveness of road haulage firms delivering loads.
These logistics companies are already battling against the historically high price of oil, and another fuel duty rise last October.
BCC director general David Frost said: "The ability for hauliers to compete with other European firms is looking increasingly threatened, especially considering the UK economy faces a slow down in 2008.
"The government must urgently reconsider this unnecessary rise in fuel tax to protect hauliers and businesses who use the roads on a daily basis."
The BCC's support was welcomed by freight haulage group the Road Haulage Association (RHA).
RHA chief executive Roger King said: "We often feel that we are a lone voice when it comes to fuel duty, but we are delighted that the British Chambers of Commerce have joined us in bringing pressure on government to think again about adding even further to the fuel tax burden."
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