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Stobart is fla
Page 9
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ngoi
by Nicky Clarke • High-profile haulier Eddie Stobart is to flag out part of its international fleet to the Continent, saving up to Lim.
This follows a meeting with the Government last week in which the company's concerns about the failing competitiveness of the UK transport industry fell on deaf ears.
Edward Stobart. chairman and chief executive of the Carlisle-based firm, says London Transport Minister Glenda Jackson is "not interested" in his case for reducing vehicle and diesel duty for UK hauliers to give a level playing field with their Continental competitors.
"All she wanted to talk about was rail," he says. "The Government seems to think we don't need road transport any more."
Now Stobart is looking closely at Belgium. "It's a crossroads into Europe," he says. Initially 20 trucks will be based on the Continent but this number is expected to grow because of new business as a result of the new base.
This move, which was predicted by Commercial Motor (CM 5-11 Nov), is described by Stobart as a "big pity", and he is
clearly uneasy with his decision. "I don't agree with it but I have no option," he says. "It's not a case of making bigger profits but more a case of survival."
He adds that he has yet to work out precise costs and savings, but estimates VED alone is likely to save the company £150,000 a year. Additional
savings on diesel tax o that saving to P.m. expects existing UK d carry on with the contri Despite the latest ret the Government, Stoba tinuing his campai. next step will be a with representatives : house of Lords.