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DEAR TONY

1st July 1999, Page 27
1st July 1999
Page 27
Page 27, 1st July 1999 — DEAR TONY
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

An open letter to the Prime Minister: Let me tell you of what was to be a successful business built on hard work, dedication, ambition and good man-management, but failed.

Eight years ago, upon leaving the Forces with training courses in management and road transport, I with my wife, who took night classes in book keeping, set ourselves up with one lorry in road haulage.

We had a good customer base and soon developed a reputation within the industry. We operated strictly within the law and provided a highquality service.

After seven years of very hard work we had three lorries, a commercial vehicle workshop and four employees with whom we had an excellent relationship, often paying them more than we did ourselves.

However, three years ago things started to get tight— overheads were becoming a greater proportion of turnover.

Every time we managed to negotiate an increase in the rate for the job it was merely to combat the increase in fuel duty. This means we have not even been able to give the drivers a wage increase for two years.

Eventually, following this year's Budget, the situation became totally unviable. An annual turnover for this last year which 1 estimate to be 2248,000 has seen £164,000 go to the Treasury in fuel duty and taxes—some 66%. With the last duty rise and the 2,5,000 VED the burden was only going to get worse.

We could see no option open to us other than to bring the business to an end.

This sad turn of events means six people out of work, the end of a dream, the end of another small business and an obvious loss to the Treasury.

Having considered all the facts very carefully we can see no reason for our businesses demise other than the extremely short-sighted, narrow-minded policy and unbelievable arrogance of our own Government.

Like most of my fellow hauliers we can see the wisdom and need for reducing pollution, and every one of us is more than aware of the need to reduce traffic congestion.

However, it seems crass stupidity to force British vehicles off the road with punitive taxes when they will only be replaced by foreign vehicles registered abroad. Since the Budget there are 27 fewer lorries (and therefore drivers' jobs) operated by local businesses in the Fareham, Gosport area that I know of.

I'm sure the treasuries of other European governments must be having a good laugh at this gift from Westminster.

I'm not bitter; suffice to say I would not vote for you. In fact I wouldn't cross the road to put you out if you were on fire. But I'm not bitter; of course not.

Bob Muldoon,

Maddison Haulage, Fareham, Hants.

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People: Bob Muldoon, TONY An
Locations: Gosport

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