100’s of HGV drivers from all over the UK, descended in their vehicles to London - where they have staged a protest against rising fuel prices. With diesel prices now hitting £1.30 a litre, some haulage firms believe they will go bust very quickly. It now costs over £1,000 in diesel costs to run a HGV for a week, a figure which the haulage world are not happy with.

Protesters have demanded a 25p rebate for essential commercial use, which will bring the UK in line with other European countries. Some members of Welsh HGV firms have threatened to block ports and refineries if the government doesn’t budge.

Petrol and diesel prices are currently 70% tax - so it makes sense for the government to reduce duty when oil prices rise. Other EU countries have helped their citizens quickly and efficiently. The French immediately cut the duty on fuel when oil prices started to rise earlier this year. That example of a forward thinking and helpful government is a far cry from Brown and Darling’s incompetence and greed.

Commentators are predicting a repeat of 2001’s fuel protest, which brought the country to a standstill and like the 10p tax before, the government is widely expected to complete a u-turn on this policy. Hopefully HGV firms, drivers and the millions whose jobs depend on the haulage industry, will be given a helping hand by our so called ‘Labour’ government.

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