UNITED FRONT
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I am concerned that it appears only the small haulage companies or owners-drivers are causing disruption and complaining about the recent increases in road tax and fuel increases. Surely this affects the haulage industry as a whole.
As an ex-trucker I cannot help but wonder why the larger operators or high-street outlets are not voicing their opinions on the issue, as it affects them with higher charges for deliveries. Can it be that they are making enough profit that they are able to absorb the extra costs? Or, as I believe, have they increased their costs so we, the public, will pay in our weekly shopping bills?
Without the truck this country would grind to a halt in about one week, despite what the Government and the critics may say. Trucks are essential for the delivery and distribution ofjust about all the items one would find in the home, the weekly shopping, fuel for the car, the beer in the pub—even the paper you read is dependent on the truck and the dedicated drivers who work unsocial hours to keep the public happy.
As for putting things on the railways, you still need trucks to get goods to the rail head and deliver them to their destination; apart from certain non-urgent goods it is not a viable way to transport goods, irrespective of what the Government says.
All haulage companies, large and small, should show solidarity on this issue. Are the British truckers going to sit back yet again, or take a leaf out of the French truckers' book and stand up for what is their right?
K Martin,
Ex-truck driver, Taunton, Somerset.