Spreading the word!
Page 6
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The fuel tax battle is moving into a new phase. The struggle to win over the hearts and minds of the nation's opinion formers (and ultimately the nation) has started. On the face alit the first salvo has struck home. This week, no less an organ than The Times devoted its main leader to the contention that "The Budget has hit the road haulage industry too hard."
No sooner had "The Thunderer" let rip than The Sun (coincidentally, no doubt, also a Murdoch newspaper) followed up with a double-page spread under the heading: "Don't be a Fuel Gordon."
Clearly, the industry's PR spinners have had a major result. Now if only they can get the same coverage in the Guardian... Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go before we convince everyone of the inequality of the Government's fuel policies.
Sadly, we fear the Rail Freight Group is a lost cause. In the March edition of RFG News the lead story proclaims: "HGVs pay only 70% of their full social and economic costs," As the Freight Transport Association represents both rail AND road users, we'd be interested to hear what they have to say about this piece of "information".
Meanwhile, there is much that you the average haulier can do. For a start you must tackle your MP— on page 12 we show you how. Too many MPs think that we can somehow do without trucks to move Britain's freight. They need to be told the facts. It's time to make life uncomfortable for the people who represent YOU. It's time to be persistent, it's time to be forceful. But above all else it's time to get the message over!