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Tories say escalator an 'unthinkable' idea
Page 6
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The Tories have denied that they plan to reintroduce the hated fuel
du-y escalator as part of their anti-congestion and pollution strategy.
THE CONSERVATIVE Party has dismissed claims that it will re-introduce its loathed fuel duty escalator after speculation that the taxation system was back on the agenda.
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne says a Tory government would introduce -more effective" taxes on pollution.lhere were also reports that Steven Norris currently a special advisor to the party -was recommending the move.
But Shadow Minister of State for Transport Chris Grayling told CM: "We have no intention of making the fuel duty escalator part of the Conservative Party policy for cars and CVs. Steven Norris's role is to think the unthinkable."
He adds: "Many in the industry are suffering the impact of a huge rise in fuel costs in recent years due to • Steven No the price of oil. More overseas lorries are coming into Britain with a truckload of lowerduty diesel fuel.
-The DfT is yet to create an envi ronment that gives our hauliers the best chance of success and that must change."
After the duty escalator was introduced by a Conservative government in 1993 duty was increased by 3% above the rate of rris inflation, much to the anger of the industry. RHA chief executive Roger King has written to Osborne expressing his "enormous concern" over the possibility of re-introduction of the fuel duty escalator system.
"If you're going to introduce an escalator for motorists you have to introduce a rebate for the road transport industry and that's what I have asked for," he says.
• In a speech to the Transport Association Chris Grayling has announced that if the Tories come to power they will look at a revised version of the LRUC, increase Vosa's powers to target foreign trucks, improve parking for LGVs and tackle truck crime.
• More next week.