RHA disappointed at Conservative sense of timing

The Road Haulage Association is disappointed at the timing of the latest Conservative proposals for a Fuel Duty Stabiliser.

“These latest proposals from the Conservatives are very similar in concept to those proposed by the Scottish National Party as an amendment to the Finance Bill put forward in the House of Commons last week”, said RHA Chief Executive Roger King.

The SNP/Plaid Cymru amendment to the Finance Bill, defeated last Wednesday, had secured cross industry backing from the Road Haulage Association, the National Farmers Union Scotland, the Scottish Taxi Federation, the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and the Federation of Small Businesses.

"The defeat of this amendment represents a missed opportunity for UK hauliers”, he continued. “Had the Conservatives put their weight behind the SNPs Fuel Duty Regulator proposals it would have made all the difference between the success and failure of a idea which had already achieved both cross-industy and cross party support.

“Nevertheless, despite the timing, we are glad the Conservative party has thrown its weight behind a concept first proposed three years ago. However, if this industry is to stand any chance of survival, it is essential that it gets help NOW", concluded Roger King.