RHA and FTA Support FairFuelUK Campaign
At a time of increasing financial hardship for many people and businesses in the UK, it is hardly surprising that yet another protest looms over the cost of fuel. Hoping to avoid the chaos caused by road blockades in 2000 and 2008, however, Peter Carroll, the haulier behind the FairFuelUK campaign, aims to steer clear of direct action by encouraging the Government to help motorists and commercial fleet operators afford the latest increases in VAT, fuel duty and oil barrel prices.
Earlier this month, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA) waded into the debate by publicly announcing their support for the FairFuelUK campaign, which has called for the Government to introduce a price stabiliser that would enable taxes to be adjusted whenever fuel costs are affected by commercial factors, thereby imposing a de facto limit on the cost of fuel paid at the pumps.
The Chief Executive of the FTA, Theo de Pencier, said: “The situation regarding fuel is threatening the whole economy. We feel that the general business community and the motoring public now have common cause with our industry. This campaign is the opportunity to put maximum pressure on the Government to win some form of concession to get the pressure off”.
Shortly after the turn of the new year, the Government decided to go ahead with plans to increase VAT and fuel duty despite the soaring cost of oil, which had hit $98 per barrel. Whilst Mr Carroll continues to lobby for help from the Government, it remains possible that the FairFuelUK campaign will take to the roads at some point in the future.
A spokesperson for SupaTrak said: “Many haulage firms are struggling to cope with the increasing cost of fuel, which is causing financial problems for the majority of motorists. Hopefully the FairFuelUK campaign will succeed in changing the Government’s position but, in the meantime, fleet operators may wish to take a look at our vehicle tracking and fuel saving technology to mitigate costs”.
