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Having read CM (10-16 August) regarding the poor turnout at the Dover protest and being a small fleet operator myself, I too am deeply disappointed, not just at the poor numbers but at hauliers who promised to turn up but did not bother. I by no means wish to give them an excuse and I went to the first protest with the RHA in London. However, what most people seem to miss is that owner drivers, fleets or large companies must service customers first. Indeed many like us cannot afford to do distance work because of fuel prices, yet we are expected to support action for some reason mostly in the South of England.
I believe we need regional protests, widely publicised and organised not weeks, but months in advance. A national go slow day on motorways, for example. I know this has been done before, but many were unaware of them until it was too late and many others were scared of getting involved. We need to get our act together when we talk to the press and stress that fuel prices affect food prices which affect everybody and that jobs will go in other industries if distribution costs are left to spiral.
I believe if the day is well attended and large numbers take part, no one would run the risk of incriminating themselves. There will no longer be any excuses and anyone who does not support us will be accepting and approving of the current situation.
Darren Wilkinson, Wilkinsons of Leeds, Swillington, Leeds.