Wednesday July 2, 09:07 AM
Lorry Drivers Protest Against Fuel Prices
By Sky News
Hundreds of angry truckers from all over Britain are descending on London again in the latest protest against soaring fuel prices. They will line up on the main A40 Westway into the capital before driving through the centre of London and past
the Houses of Parliament.A similar protest at the end of May was organised by the lobby group TransAction and was attended by around 200 truckers. But the latest event will see TransAction members joined by the Road Haulage Association and members of the Transport Association, with many hundreds of lorries predicted to take part. "If ever there was proof-positive that ours is an industry in crisis, then this must surely be it," said Andy Boyle, the chairman of the Road Haulage Association. "The harsh reality is that the price of fuel is now forcing many hauliers out of business, and for many, today will be a last-ditch attempt at making their voice heard." Sharon Knight of TransAction added: "The timing has been perfect this time. The protest comes on the same day as London hosts three major industry gatherings, including the Motor Transport Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel." With diesel now around £1.30 a litre and rising, the Chancellor Alistair Darling is under pressure even from within the Cabinet to scrap the 2p increase in fuel duty planned for October. Business Secretary John Hutton is reported to be urging Mr Darling to make a statement on the issue before the summer Parliamentary recess. British haulage companies are also lobbying for an 'essential user rebate', similar to the fuel discount currently given to public transport operators in the UK. "You can't get much more 'essential' than delivering bread and milk and food," one said.
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