Lorry drivers demand government extend fuel duty cut beyond spring

TRUCKERS are joining the crusade to stop fuel duty sky-rocketing within months.

Transport bosses want the 5p levy cut extended beyond spring to reduce the cost of doing business.

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The Road Haulage Association is urging Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to hold back from hurting van drivers further.

Its executive director Rod McKenzie said: “It’s essential that the Government help out the backbone of the British economy — whether it is plasterers or electricians.

“It would politically be a big mistake to punish van drivers and that’s why we are asking for the 5p duty cut to be extended beyond April.

“We were disappointed that there was no further action when Mr Hunt delivered his Autumn Statement last week.”

The Treasury has said no decision has been made about fuel duty from April, when it is set to rise in line with inflation.

The Office for Budget Responsibility has indicated that it is expected to rise by 23 per cent, adding 12p a litre to petrol and diesel prices.

Our Keep It Down campaign has also been backed by the Federation of Small Businesses, who hit out at ministers for “whacking the country’s grafters”.

Meanwhile, ministers are also under pressure to drop the Transit tax rise buried in last week’s Budget.

The charge is for anyone who is allowed to use their company van for private trips such as the school run or going to the shops.

Lower rate taxpayers will now face a bill of nearly £800 a year, an increase of £72.

Higher rate payers will face an extra £144 hit as they pay £1,584.