Road Haulage Association urges Government for fuel duty rebate

London, September 29 -- The Road Haulage Association today urges the Chancellor of the Exchequer to make Wednesday's fuel duty increase reclaimable for UK road hauliers.

RHA Chief Executive Roger King said: "The French have distinguished between the professional and non-professional use of diesel fuel for road transport so that their recent 2 pence per litre increase in tax is rebatable for hauliers. The French government recognises the importance of road transport to their economy.

"Today, trades unions are marching on the Labour Party conference highlighting the continuing loss of jobs in UK manufacturing, Transport costs play a major part in competitiveness so Wednesday's tax imposition will further erode the country's ability to compete".

In a letter to be delivered to Downing Street on Wednesday, 1 October, the RHA will urge the recovery of the 1.28 pence per litre tax increase through an enhanced VAT rate for diesel.

"This is simple to do and can easily be backdated to 1 October", said Roger King. "It will enable the UK to emulate the French and distinguish between professional and non-professional use of diesel. Furthermore, it would give Government the opportunity to prove that it really does care about the future of UK manufacturing".

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Kate Gibbs, the RHA Communications Manager, on: +44 (0)1932 838917 or +44 (0)7979 531451