HFA's duty protest circles Newcastle
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• Hundrees of trucks and tractors converged on the centr of Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday, as farmers and hauliers united in a last-ditch effort to stop the Chancellor raising fuel and duty taxes any further.
The newly founded Hauliers & Farmers Alliance (HFA) claims that more than 400 vehicles—about 200 trucks and 200 farm tractors—took part in the peaceful protest. The convoy stretched for seven miles and made two circuits of the city centre. At one stage it completely encircled the citl when the lead truck caught up with the last. Hauliers from within a 60-mile radius took part; among larger firms to fur out were Simpsons Bros, John Hogg, Fergusons (Blyth) ani County Durham-based Gallacher Bros.
Len Johnson, the HFA chairman representing hauliers, was optimistic that the protest had made an impact, and says further demonstrations will be held if the Budget fails meet demands. In his rally speech he called for reductions fuel and excise duty "if businesses are to survive".
Although the demonstration caused hold-ups on roads into the city, Johnson says the response from the public wa -fantastic". He says: "Nobody was angry—people were clapping and cheering us along."