Christmas delivered on time 'thanks to hauliers'

Date: 4/1/2011

Transport operators in the UK have been congratulated for their work in ensuring that Christmas 2010 was delivered on time across the country.

According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA), not only did festive goods arrive on schedule for the majority of households, but shops and hospitals also saw that their essential supplies were maintained.

RHA Spokesperson Kate Gibbs said that without the services of hauliers, the UK would "have ground to a halt" over the festive period.

However, she added that many drivers are concerned about how the effects of fuel price increases, along with this week's VAT rise, will impact their business.

"For some hauliers, the latest increases in costs will mean the end of the road. Considering the revenue that [the] increase in VAT will raise, and also considering the fuel duty increase planned for April, was the increase of less than one penny per litre in fuel duty really that essential?" Ms Gibbs asked.

Between December 24th and 27th, the Department for Transport made the decision to temporarily relax the hours of EU drivers and working-time rules for hauliers directly responsible for the delivery of food to UK distribution centres and shops, to ensure that supplies were received on time.

Posted by Mary Treen