French dispute
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T would like to bring to your 1 attention the following problems we are experiencing with our trucks in France.
We currently have five trucks stuck all over France, one full of frozen fish which will be ruined if the driver runs out of diesel, which is expected Even if the dispute ends. fuel shortages mean it may be several days before the trucks can move again.
Apart from these problems, I would like to point out the following. French hauliers pay less road tax than in the UK. The system France has adopted is to charge road tolls to make up the difference. This gives UK hauliers like ourselves a trading disadvantage. Not only is tax higher here but we pay around 100-£120 per week in road tolls while French hauliers can drive on roads in the UK without charge. At present we spend 70% of
our time in Europe but still have to pay UK road tax.
Diesel is now 6p a litre cheaper in France after this week's Budget. Our company has been involved in European transport for many years. We are a small concern employing nine people and if nothing is done quickly to help us in the present dispute, there will be nine more people on the dole. Kenneth Cox,
Cox !We-maIlona! Transport.