Tories back away from supporting EUR
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• The Conservative Party has told the Road Haulage Association that it will not commit itself to the introduction of an essential user rebate (EUR) for hauliers.
Just days before the RHA's decision to sideline the policy, shadow transport minister Bernard Jenkin wrote to RHA chief executive Roger King telling him of the decision.
In consolation, he pointed out the Conservatives are committed to reducing all pump prices by 3p/lit. This, he claimed, would save operators an average of .£800 per truck per year.
In the letter, Jenkin wrote: 'There are many practical difficulties in implementing an EUR,' warning that questions
remained over the legality of such a move. However, he went on to say that the party is still ready to implement the 'BritDisc which would force foreignregistered trucks to pay to use UK roads.
Jenkin has previously told CM that the Conservatives have never given a firm corn
mitment to implementing an EUR but that they might look at the issue again if the problems can be resolved.
At that time Roger King described the decision as disappointing, attacking Jenkins reservations as "absurd'. But within days King was also doubting the EUR and asking for across-theboard tax reductions.