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Put up or shut up

29th May 2008, Page 3
29th May 2008
Page 3
Page 3, 29th May 2008 — Put up or shut up
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

As hauliers take to the streets of London again to protest about the high cost of fuel and the impact it's having on the industry rumours have emerged their French counterparts are on the verge of striking. Of course, high fuel prices are nothing new in this country. But the fact hauliers are wilting to sacrifice a day's work to make their feelings known shows how hard it's biting.

But how effective are such protests? The government already knows how much soaring fuel costs are affecting all aspects of business.

Could a "European approach" have more effect? Some hauliers who have contacted CM think it would. They want direct action (for direct action, read strike, go-slow or mass parking-upl, with the RHA and the FTA leading the charge. But that's not going to happen. Even if the two trade associations were minded to support such action [and the FTA isn't), neither dares risk court action that could see their assets being sequestrated as a result of an illegal protest.

And into that vacuum steps TransAction, with a persuasive claim to not only represent hundreds of British hauliers, but, more importantly, to have a mandate to speak on their behalf against fuel costs. For TransAction, the answer is to take to the streets and get noticed. But the question for the industry is how far should it go to get 'noticed'? If blockades, go-slows or strikes alienate the public, all could be lost. The key to success for hauliers rests in the hands of the 21 million or so voting car drivers who are equatly unhappy about fuel prices. If the planned 2p hike in fuel duty is shelved, it may buy off the motoring majority, but it won't be a win for British truck operators. If the FTA and RHA won't join TransAction, it's time they proved 'their way' is better by delivering on Essential User Rebates, quicker VAT recovery, and fuel duty regulators. It's make or break time... Roanna Avison

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Locations: London

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