shodan
27-05-2008, 06:09 AM
http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6628853&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.4.1
Fuel Price Rises Prompt Hauliers To Protest In London
Last Edited: Tuesday, 27 May 2008, 3:21 AM GMT
Created: Monday, 26 May 2008, 11:21 PM GMT
05/26/2008 --
Up to 1,000 lorries are expected to make a special journey to central London today to protest against the rising cost of fuel. It is likely to be the largest protest of its kind in the capital.
There will be representatives from all parts of the UK with hauliers expected to travel to London from the South West, Kent, Newcastle, Manchester and South Wales.
They are demanding the introduction of an 'Essential User Rebate', which would allow HGV drivers to claim back some of the fuel duty.
They are also calling the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, to cancel this autumn's proposed 2p rise in fuel duty.
Peter Knight, a haulier based in Kent said: "This is the economics of the mad house. If the Prime Minister doesn't listen the Government will lose out.
"As UK hauliers we pay enormous amounts of tax to the UK exchequer - we pay employment tax, road tax and of course fuel duty. If we are wiped out, the work will be done by foreign hauliers who pay nothing to the UK in tax."
The issue of foreign haulage companies causes particular annoyance amongst British lorry drivers.
"They fill up cheaply abroad and work over here all week," said Peter Carroll, one of the protest organisers. "They contribute nothing to the UK economy."
Fuel prices have risen dramatically in recent months. Last week crude oil reached a record $135.09 a barrel. Oil now costs a third more than it did at the start of the year.
Despite the anticipated size of the protest, no disruption is expected. "We work closely with the Metropolitan Police and they've cordoned of part of the A40," said Mr Carroll. "We have no intention of causing blockades or disruption."
Transaction 2007, the group behind the action, held a similar protest last month, although they expect this event to be considerably bigger. Speeches will be held at Hyde Park Corner and a petition handed in to Downing Street.
Fuel Price Rises Prompt Hauliers To Protest In London
Last Edited: Tuesday, 27 May 2008, 3:21 AM GMT
Created: Monday, 26 May 2008, 11:21 PM GMT
05/26/2008 --
Up to 1,000 lorries are expected to make a special journey to central London today to protest against the rising cost of fuel. It is likely to be the largest protest of its kind in the capital.
There will be representatives from all parts of the UK with hauliers expected to travel to London from the South West, Kent, Newcastle, Manchester and South Wales.
They are demanding the introduction of an 'Essential User Rebate', which would allow HGV drivers to claim back some of the fuel duty.
They are also calling the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, to cancel this autumn's proposed 2p rise in fuel duty.
Peter Knight, a haulier based in Kent said: "This is the economics of the mad house. If the Prime Minister doesn't listen the Government will lose out.
"As UK hauliers we pay enormous amounts of tax to the UK exchequer - we pay employment tax, road tax and of course fuel duty. If we are wiped out, the work will be done by foreign hauliers who pay nothing to the UK in tax."
The issue of foreign haulage companies causes particular annoyance amongst British lorry drivers.
"They fill up cheaply abroad and work over here all week," said Peter Carroll, one of the protest organisers. "They contribute nothing to the UK economy."
Fuel prices have risen dramatically in recent months. Last week crude oil reached a record $135.09 a barrel. Oil now costs a third more than it did at the start of the year.
Despite the anticipated size of the protest, no disruption is expected. "We work closely with the Metropolitan Police and they've cordoned of part of the A40," said Mr Carroll. "We have no intention of causing blockades or disruption."
Transaction 2007, the group behind the action, held a similar protest last month, although they expect this event to be considerably bigger. Speeches will be held at Hyde Park Corner and a petition handed in to Downing Street.