RHA takes leading role in unique fuel duty policy

At an emergency meeting of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) in Brussels yesterday, the world body for the road transport industry drew up a resolution designed to put a united response to the current fuel price crisis to the EU Commission.

All 27 EU member states’ trade associations will now be able to make individual representations to their respective governments based on a common policy initiative.

“This is the first time the industry has spoken with a united voice on this vital issue”, said RHA Chief Executive Roger King. "The RHA was instrumental in asking for the freedom of member states to use fuel duty and VAT changes to blunt the effect of the current rising price of fuel. But we also proposed a new professional fuel duty rate payable by all users of commercial fossil fuel. That means the airlines, railways, shipping and trucking industries will all pay the same fuel duty. All IRU members are sick and tired of road transport alone paying high tax levels while other modes get off Scott-free. The IRU agreed with us that all should share the burden".

"With world oil prices continuing to rise, the RHA believes that fuel taxes for professional users need a thorough overhaul.

“This resolution, unique in concept, is the first step along this route and will form a cornerstone of lobby our lobby of Parliament on Wednesday 2nd July," concluded Roger King.