Reaction
Page 5
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THE MAJOR trade associations expressed initial disappointment at the increases in tax on transport. The Freight Transport Association and Acted Haulage Association reckon it will add between 0.5 and 0.75 of one per cent to operating costs.
The FTA said the Chancellor had missed a "glorious opportunity" to cut dery -duty, and said the 26 per cent increase in duty for 32.5-tonners had scotched any remaining doubts that lorries do not pay their way.
It also took the opportunity to renew its call to have the dormant down-licensing powers in the 1982 Finance Act enacted to help operators whose vehicles never run at their plated weight "The Government cannot have it both ways," it added.
The RHA said that while • the Chancellor appeared to Want to help industry, he was :not helping the road haulage Industry, as the burden of the t. Increases is being borne by
'those running the heaviest vehicles.
A spokesman added that these "swingeing increases" could negate such tax reductions as the cut in National
Insurance surcharge.