EC wants UK to fight for parity
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• The European Commission has admitted that UK hauliers are suffering at the hands of British government policies and says it wants to wipe out unfair competition.
Speaking at the Road Haulage Association annual conference last week. Dirk van Vreckham, EC head of Inland transport, told members to keep fighting against unfair fuel taxes and vehicle excise duty.
You have a strong case," said van Vreckham. You are suffering from a competitive disadvantage to your European equivalents,"
The Commission is trying to move towards harmonisation across Europe over transport charges and taxes, he added.
Although BHA national chairman John Bridge is sceptical about how long it will take to implement new policies, other board members feel encouraged that the British government is finally listening to the industry.
This follows a series of private meetings with transport minister Gus McDonald and treasury minister Stephen Timms.