No oohs and aahs Ifeel I need to set right
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comments made in your article "Hauliers prepare for fuel price protest" (CM 2-8 April).
At the last meeting of the Next Generation Hauliers Group, Chris Cain mentioned in conversation that he planned "to do something" after the Budget. He would not reveal his intentions, saying only "watch this space". As a result, he did not seek the view of the committee on the subject, so no comments were offered. There was definitely no "oohing and aahing".
The Budget/fuel duty increases were not an agenda item, so were not discussed and no minute was recorded of Chris Cain's comments. I hope this clarifies the situation.
My own view, as an operator of 23 articulated wagons, is that it is completely wrong for the Government to keep increasing fuel duty It will cost our company in excess of £35,000 this year. We are being used as an unofficial tax collecting agency—the situation needs to be addressed and soon.
However, NGH has no remit to do anything other than advise the executive board of the views of its members.
Simon Chamberlain, Chairman, Next Generation Hauliers Group, Road Haulage Association.