RHA and FTA welcome fuel duty comments

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Freight Transport Association (FTA) have welcomed comments from chancellor George Osborne that the government may scrap its planned fuel duty rise.

Speaking on BBC WM yesterday (January 27th), Mr Osborne said he is looking at overriding the decision to increase the cost of fuel in the UK by 1p-per-litre, initially proposed by previous chancellor Alistair Darling.

RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning said the announcement is "very encouraging news" for motorists and industry.

"However, a duty freeze in April can only be regarded as a short-term fix. If we are to stand any chance of long-term growth it is essential that we see a long-term solution to this problem," Mr Dunning added.

The 1p increase could equate to 5p in real terms due to rising inflation.

Both the RHA and FTA have backed the Fair Fuel UK campaign, along with a number of MPs from all three major parties.