FUEL PLAN: 2
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
I agree with D Maclean (Letters, CM26 October-1 November) that a shutdown is the best form of fuel protest. I have long been uneasy about demonstrations. It's hard to justify driving over 100 miles empty on fuel that's too expensive to make loaded running viable, only for the government to ignore us anyway.
Blockading refineries is inadvisable this time as, apparently, our 0-licences will be in jeopardy and Straw intends to force deliveries through anyway.
So the best form of action would seem to be inaction. Close the gates until we get a significant reduction. It shouldn't take that long.
Can you afford to park up? There's lost standing costs on the trucks and drivers' basic pay. There's always something needing painting or other maintenance to do.
But a worthwhile reduction in duty would more than cover a week or so standing. Do the maths: a 7mpg attic doing 75,000 miles per annum will use 10,700 gallons. A 15p/lit reduction would save you £7,300 a year. Now ask yourself—can you afford not to park upP Twenty years ago we were forced to accept the tachograph in the interests of a level European playing field. To bring our costs into line with Western Europe we really need 30p/fit off and a considerable reduction in VED.
For the sake of our industry let's stick together and at least make a start.
John Hayward
Troway, Sheffield.