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The industry has had little time or energy to halt the burdens being imposed'

7th July 1994, Page 48
7th July 1994
Page 48
Page 48, 7th July 1994 — The industry has had little time or energy to halt the burdens being imposed'
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

6 If the road haulage industry collapsed tomorrow it would result in the failure to move raw materials, manufactured products and foodstuffs, bringing the country to a complete standstill. As an industry it is one of the more essential components of our economy.

So why does the Government continue to penalise our industry? Could it be that it is an easy target that never fights back? The Iwo associations presently representing our industry appear to be too old and fat to take any action against ever increasing taxation and even more expensive and

1' time-consuming legislation. Their teeth have ; lost the ability to bite and they seem only -5 capable of keeping a watching brief which ' does not benefit the members who pay

'E. their wages. The industry to date has been too busy ) working to survive and has had little time or ) 5 energy to halt the burdens being imposed : by the state on an already tottering but essential sector of the community. The industry has been forced to accept more and more expensive legislation, the introduction of road tolls and regular increases in road tax and diesel.

Our industry suffers the highest taxation in the European Community yet we are expected to compete with the Continental competition. Do our smug, selfopinionated, over-paid politicians, protected from the real world in Westminster, know or care that a five-axle artic now pays £3,400 a year road tax, or that at 7mpg it uses £400 of diesel each week—from which the Government takes a further £300 in fuel tax?

Every artic provides the Government with £365 every week and if the vehicle operator is able to make a profit at the end of the year he is taxed on his profit. Not all vehicle operators are able to make a profit. In the year ending March 19930 total of 2,949 firms operating 39,963 vehicles

ceased trading. I believe the road haulage industry has at last said enough is enough. A fragmented and individualistic industry seems to have realised that survival depends on an ability to unite and organise. The industry is beginning to fight for its survival.

Our association will lead the road haulage industry to its rightful place in society where transport operators are no longer the whipping boys of the Government's tax collectors. It is time to win the respect of the public for being an industrious and caring part of Britain's industrial community.

L The Port and Traction Association is based at 754 Southampton Road, Pork Gate, Southampton, 503 74G.

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Locations: Southampton

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