Hauliers prepare for fuel price protest...
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• Dents Transport of Downham Market, Norfolk is the first haulier to throw in the towel because of the fuel increases in last month's Budget.
The firm, which has traded for 71 years, is to close at the end of May with the loss of 42 drivers' jobs. Managing director Desmond Dent says his customers are not prepared to accept the rates increase that would be needed to offset the higher diesel prices. "The constant rise in the past three years, which I estimate at an 11% increase, means it is impossible for us to go on," he says. Dent predicts that his company, which runs 45 vehicles, will not be the last casualty of the diesel increases. "More will follow, that's for sure," he says. by David Craik • British hauliers still reeling from last month's diesel price hike are getting behind a plan to cause massive disruption to the UK's roads after deciding that direct action is the only way to show the Government how they feel.
Operators who are now paying almost 18p/lit more than their Irish counterparts—and more than operators anywhere else in the EU—seem to have decided "enough is enough" and are contemplating French-style strike tactics.
The news comes as the first haulage company announces its closure after deciding it would be uneconomic to carry on operating (see panel, above right).
On the day after the Budget Chris Cain of Liverpool-based TR Group Holdings blocked a busy London street and called on others to join him. Since then TR's offices have been inundated with messages of support from other hauliers.
TR transport manager Stan Howes says the attitude among hauliers has hardened since the Budget, and many are now pre pared to take direct action.
TR is deciding what sort of action to take: as CM went to press it was planning a big demonstration in the capital. Other discussions have included blocking a major road in London, possibly in Wapping, or driving slowly along motorways to cause long tailbacks. "It would only take 10 trucks to do this— we will have plenty," says Howes.
Howes and Cain have slammed the Road Haulage Association's lack of support for direct action. "They are toothless," says Howes. "I ask myself why we bother being a member."
Cain is so disgusted that he is resigning from the Young RHA committee after they "oohed and aahed" over his city blockade plan. He says more than 60 trucks are ready to take part in any protest. "We started with one truck a fortnight ago," Cain adds. "Soon we will have hundreds."
Contact Chris Cain on 0151 647 3877.