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Es Holt blames fuel duty

4th February 1999
Page 11
Page 11, 4th February 1999 — Es Holt blames fuel duty
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IN by David Cralk

A second local Road Haulage Association chairman in the space of one week has been forced to shut the doors of his business, blaming excessive fuel duty rates.

East Metropolitan chairman Roger Holt, of Essex-based tipper operator Holts Transport, ran the 60-year-old, eight-vehicle-strong company with his brother Gerald. "We are not getting any younger and the haulage environment is not getting any better," says Gerald Holt. "It is a sad day because we have worked hard establishing this firm but we just can't afford to goon."

The company will close on 6 February, which will put eight drivers out of work. 'There are plenty of firms looking for drivers here,' says Gerald. 'However, our drivers have told us that too many are offering poor pay and asking them to cut corners over drivers' hours."

One local operator says the closure of the firm will affect a number or owner-drivers. "I know of dozens who come to Hots regularly to use its workshops and generally get advice. They will be missed, it is another big blow to our industry."