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No appetite for action over fuel duty increases
Page 6
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CM COVER STORY
By Christopher Walton and Joanna Bourke THERE IS NO appetite for industrial action among hauliers, despite the recent fuel duty rises, according to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and certain members of TransAction.
RI-IA chief executive Roger King tells CM: "We have conducted discreet surveys of our members and they do not want to engage in any action at all. Their priorities have changed. Hauliers are trying to stay in businesses and find customers wherever they can."
He adds the RHA has written to exchequer secretary Angela Eagle asking that the 2p/litre duty rise be changed into an equivalent rise in the VAT rate, so that hauliers can claim back the increase.
I ast week, in response to the Budget, TransAction organiser Mike Presneill, of Kent-based tipper operator Presneill Tipper Contractors, said: "We need to make some noises. We will look at the opportunities and only undertake it legally."
However, fellow members of TransAction have been dismissive about the prospects of protests. Derek Linch, of general haulier firm Derek Linch Haulage. says: "TransAction will not take action because of a lack of support."
Jim McCaulie, who represents Scottish hauliers for the group, is dismissive: "There is no question of any demonstrations."
• See this week's investigation on page 20 for more on the fallout from the fuel duty rise.