Government 'needs to focus on the price of fuel'

Date: 8/6/2010

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) wants the government to put the cost of fuel at the top of its agenda.

Spokesperson for the RHA Kate Gibbs welcomed the findings of a report from the Post Office, which confirmed motorists in the UK are paying more for diesel compared to those in other European countries.

She remarked: "We are seeing more and more foreign hauliers on UK roads, their trucks filled with tanks of diesel fuel bought on the continent for a price that is considerably lower than their UK."

Ms Gibbs added UK hauliers are providing a vital service, but they are being penalised.

She urged Transport Secretary Philip Hammond to urgently explore a 'pay-as-you-drive' scheme for foreign HGVs.

According to the RHA – which provides information, advice and business services for those in the haulage industry - the average price of diesel stands at £1.20 per litre, with the pre-tax price being 45p per litre.

Posted by Mary Treen