Fuel Protest In London

Truckers head to capital to ask Government to cut fuel tax

By Oli S / Wednesday, 2 July 2008 / Loading comments

Hauliers have descended on London to protest about spiralling fuel prices. Truckers parked their lorries on the A40, which has been partly closed, while another group of drivers has gathered on foot in Westminster.

Motorists in London were being warned to expect disruption after previous protests caused traffic chaos. While lorries parked up on the A40 others drove into the capital escorted by police motorbikes.

The protest is designed to coincide with a debate in Parliament on the unpopular decision to increase vehicle excise duty planned by Chancellor Alastair Darling. The lorry drivers are calling for a 25p-in-the-pound rebate on diesel, saying that high fuel costs are putting them out of business.

The Road Haulage Association, which is helping to organise the rally, says that it is a ‘last ditch attempt’ at making their voice heard. Truckers gathered at Medway Services in Kent this morning before heading towards the capital on the M2. The convoy was said to include lorries from as far a field as Cornwall and North Yorkshire.

National chairman of the RHA Andy Boyle said: ‘If ever there was positive proof that ours is an industry in crisis then this surely must be it. The harsh reality is that the price of fuel is now forcing many hauliers out of business. For many, today will represent a last-ditch attempt at making their voice heard.’