Hauliers prosecuted after the M25 demo
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• by Charles Young Hauliers who took part in May's peaceful fuel protest on the M25 are facing a legal backlash summonses have been issued for obstruction and driving without due care and attention.
But Gary Donaldson from Wellingborough-based Finedon Bulk Haulage says any fine will be worth it if the rumours about the ending of the fuel duty escalator prove true.
His Labour MR Paul Stinchcombe, is going to meet Treasury Minister Patricia Hewitt to press for fairer diesel taxes. Stinchcombe says: "I am fighting on behalf of the haulier but also the disabled driver who has a good case for an essentialuser rebate."
Stinchcombe also fuelled the rumours that the Treasury is considering ending the fuel duty escalator.
Donaldson and his son Karl face charges of driving without due care and attention. Joe Cook from Joe Cook Haulage, who was driving near Donaldson at the time, also faces charges.
"At least we've done some good," says Donaldson "and it's a bloody shame some of the bigger boys didn't show, lt's cost me thousands to turn up at the demos and now it looks like I might get a fine."
Yeovil-based Gordon's Motors, which runs five trucks, also received two summons on 25 June from Hertfordshire Police for obstruction.
Julie Charles of Gordon's Motors, who is a co-ordinator for Trans-Action, says she is disappointed with the attitude of the police to a peaceful demonstration 'particulary when the Met were so helpful in organising the protest". Charles was one of the few hauliers who took the demonstration into London after a poor turnout of only 200 trucks on the M25.