Fuel tax rise 'will hit small hauliers'
Date: 07 March 2008
Small haulage companies are expected to feel the pinch of a fuel tax rise the most, according to a north-east-based group.
Speaking to the Journal, Malcolm Dods, area manager of the Northern Road Haulage Association, says that the proposed 2p fuel duty increase could force smaller haulage firms to close.
"What we want is an eventual decrease in the amount of duty we pay – fuel price isn't a problem, the big problem is the government's take on the price of duty we pay on fuel," he said.
"A 2p rise could be the end for some operators, with smaller companies being the worst hit."
Mr Dods added: "In the north east we have seen a lot of consolidation over the last 12 months and that's an indication that people have had enough and just aren't getting better and are selling up while they still have something to sell."
Oil prices across the world have continued to soar this week, raising concerns among motoring groups that if the chancellor goes ahead with the 2p tax increase – car drivers could be paying as much as £5 for a gallon of fuel. 
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