RHA And FTA Welcome Chancellor's Comments On Fuel Duty

The Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association has welcomed comments made today by chancellor George Osborne that the Government is addressing the fuel duty issue. When questioned on BBC WM today Mr Osborne commented that plans made by the previous chancellor, Alistair Darling to increase fuel duty on 1 April by one penny per litre, in addition to inflation, could be addressed. "We can override it, we are looking at that", said Mr Osborne.

“This is very encouraging news”, said RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning.  “It proves beyond doubt that the noise we have been making on this issue has not fallen on deaf ears.” However, he continued, “a duty freeze in April can only regarded as a short term fix.  If we are to stand any chance of long term growth it is essential that we see a long term solution to this problem.”

FTA chief executive Theo de Pencier commented: “We welcome Mr Osborne’s public support for scrapping the fuel duty rise but we want more than just warm words from the Chancellor for the sake of UK businesses and the country’s economic recovery.  We look forward to seeing the small print.”

If the proposed duty rise goes ahead as planned, a one penny per litre increase could equate, including rising inflation, to an increase of up to five pence per litre.

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