Fuel tax rise could spark protest
Welsh hauliers up in arms about plans to hike petrol prices
New fuel price protests could soon be upon us, according to Alan Greene of the South Wales Hauliers' Association. The driving force behind the demonstrations four years ago that forced a change in government fuel tax policy, Greene said action could be taken 'very soon' after the UK government confirmed it had no plans to follow France in offering operators a user rebate.
His fellow protester, Brynle Williams, now a Tory member of the Welsh Assembly, said that the Labour government is 'robbing the community' with its attitude to petrol prices.
Greene has been active recently, forming part of a convoy of trucks that converged on Cardiff's centre in complaint about the Government's decision to raise fuel tax by 1.5p per litre, on top of the recent increases in fuel resulting from the increase in the price of crude oil, which now tops $50 a barrel.
His comments follow the French Government's plans to relieve hauliers by offering some £259m of fuel aid. Greene is arguing that the UK Government should do something similar.
Williams said he had written to Transport Secretary Alistair Darling and Chancellor Gordon Brown about it. "I am wary that if Labour does not do something about it, we will have serious problems," he said.
The wont charge criminals with decent fines or punishment so the only way to get more money is to charge more for everyday hard working people who will cough up without any fuss!
Bout time something is done about them, any other country wouldnt stand for it, America would have Riots, France would go on strike until something is done!
Poor hospitals, the ambulances can't work, people are going to die because your blocking the ambulances from filling up at the petrol station, lOL...
Only government spin helped by the feeble news reporting could make people think that the blockades were actually stopping fuel for emergency service depots etc!
Damn pain in the arse this government. I don't wish harm on anyone, but I wish something nasty, like genital warts on Tony Bliar!
Dave
It's bad enough having to pay 93p a litre ( I can remember as a kid when everyone was going crazy about it reaching £1 for a gallon ! )
you should try having oil burner boiler for your central heating at the moment - it's 200% more that what is cost last year !
Bet that doesn't show on the inflation figures
I spend SO much money on fuel even though I just do average miles now. Why oh why do they need SO much more money?
If they raised income tax, it'd be noticed by the rich, and they'd loose votes thats probably why!
However, add it onto something that is not used en-mass by everyone, and you only alienate a percentage of the voters...
Sick if you ask me, not like I'm poor, but it's ALOT of money for nothing if you ask me. Just looking at the statistics, VAT on fuel alone pays for what they spent back on the roads last year, forgetting the fuel tax itself and the road tax etc!
Down with Bliar, and up with someone who might stand up for people, and listen to people. Someone who will actually do their damn job as leader!
Hmmmm
Dave
try it when you have to do 3000 a month, all out of your own pocket . 
I only do 12000 miles a year but pay £25 a week petrol tax ( I really wish I hadn't just worked that out
) The only problem I have with the protests is that they involve a slow trundle in traffic along a motorway which is what I do everyday anyway!
Gone are the days where I would take the family out on a Sunday for fun; the blasted Gov and all its cronies are gradually getting their way, motoring for dictated needs over pleasure.
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