Forum fails but RHA is hopeful
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The latest Haulage Forum has failed to calm the fuel crisis, and ministers are refusing to commit themselves to help struggling operators.
But the Road Haulage Association insists that ministers' attitudes have changed for the better. RHA national chairman John Bridge, who recently said he would resign from the forum but then changed his mind, says he will not threaten to quit if the forum fails to help hauliers.
Bridge revealed that the latest forum discussed a fuel cut for other motorists as well as for hauliers. It also looked at the general decline in British manufacturing and the pressure this was putting on haulage.
Before the meeting the Freight Transport Association and the National Farmers Union presented a statement to the Chancellor calling for an immediate 15p/lit reduction in diesel duty for goods vehicles, the introduction of a UK vignette to charge foreign vehicles, and a cut in VED for light goods vehicles and private cars, based on environmental criteria • The Fuel Forum met Treasury Minister Stephen Timms last week. Committee member Frank Steers says: "Time is not on the government's side. I'd like to see more talks this week with the people who really make the decisions."
• The People's Fuel Lobby (PFL) is planning a rally in Hyde Park, London, on the day after the 60-day deadline if the government fails to come up with a deal on fuel. PFL's Mark Francis warns: "If the government still takes no notice, action starts on day 62." The PFL wants drivers to show support by using dipped headlights during the day.