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Chancellor warned to cut fuel tax or face the consequences

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says falling fuel prices have been a major factor in the country’s recovery.  But high taxes mean transport operators haven’t benefited, with only a 13% cut in prices at the pump despite a 43% drop in world oil prices.   

FTA chief executive David Wells last week wrote to George Osborne urging him not to renege on previous promises to hold current levels until September. And he stressed that any rise would force businesses to cut back on investment, training, efficiency improvements and modernisation.  

He said: “Cash flow pressures will cause many businesses to implement cuts if the Chancellor raises fuel duty, and that would be detrimental not only to the businesses themselves but also to the economic growth of the country as a whole.”  

As well as cutting fuel duty, the FTA is calling on the Government to announce funding for driver training to alleviate the driver shortage crisis in the freight industry and more investment in roads so that local authorities can deliver much-needed maintenance programmes.

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Written by Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.

Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news.

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