Drivers tell FTA fuel duty should be 25%

Tuesday 15 March 2016

Members of the public quizzed by the Freight Transport Association ahead of tomorrow’s Budget said fuel duty should be 25 per cent rather than the 75 per cent currently levied by the Chancellor.

FTA questioned drivers as they filled up at a Kent petrol station. While the majority were aware of the proportion of tax, most said it was too high and should be reduced.

Earlier this month FTA wrote to Chancellor George Osborne calling for a freeze or cut in fuel duty in the Budget, which independent research has shown would deliver significant economic benefits. In its pre-Budget submission, the Association also highlighted the need to address the skills shortage in the logistics industry and the importance in investing in infrastructure.

FTA Deputy Chief Executive James Hookham said: “Any increase in fuel duty will have far-reaching effects, not only for the logistics sector but also for the motoring public and anyone who buys goods that are delivered to our shops and homes.

“We already have the highest fuel duty in the EU for diesel and the third highest for petrol. A rise will make us less able to compete with our European neighbours and threatens to stall the economy’s recovery.”

FTA is a founder member of FairFuelUK and has been campaigning on behalf of its members for a 3p per litre cut in fuel duty. Industry currently pays around £7 billion annually in duty and an increase of just one penny would add £470 a year to the cost of running a 44-tonne truck, which would have a huge impact on transport operators.

Watch FTA’s forecourt Budget report here: 

 
 
 
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