Fuel Duty Increase? "Don't even think about it!" Says Road Haulage Association

LONDON, April 20 -- It is the hope of every UK road haulier that this week's Budget will see no further increase in fuel duty. At a time when hauliers are literally fighting for survival, a halt to duty rises will prevent a bad situation becoming even worse, according to the Road Haulage Association.

"Time and again we have stressed the point that time is running out for many UK operators," said RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs. "A freeze on further fuel duty increases would of course go some way to easing their finances but the grim reality is that it will take a lot more to bring many back from the brink of financial ruin. Fuel duty already risen by 8 per cent since last November and for many operators, any further increase would be devastating.

"A transformation of the perception of the industry is now vital. For far too long we have been seen as little more than a cash cow for successive governments and as an easy touch for the rest of UK PLC. Despite this, UK hauliers provide a service on which nearly every other sector of industry relies."

According to RHA membership research carried out last year, hauliers' bills are settled, on average, 15 per cent more slowly than in other areas of industry. And for those who operate only within the general haulage sector, this is even worse. Customers must be made to realise that in the current economic climate, 60 or even 90 day payment terms are simply unacceptable - and when the terms apply from the date when the invoice is received as opposed to when the job was completed, the haulier will be waiting even longer for payment.

"The UK road freight industry is a major contributor to the Treasury coffers," continued Kate Gibbs. "Operators have no choice but to pay their fuel duty up front yet many are still expected to wait in excess of 60 days to be paid for the job. No other area of British industry would settle for such treatment - why should road hauliers?"

Road Haulage Association - more than you think

http://www.rha.uk.net

For more details, contact RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs on Tel: +44-1932-838917, Mob: +44-7979-531451