MPs seek hauliers’ views on fuel duty

A group of MPs is asking for hauliers’ input as part of a new inquiry into the impact of fuel duty on the road transport sector, as inflation and high prices continue to exert a heavy operational toll.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Road Freight and Logistics has invited industry representatives to respond to the inquiry by filling out an online survey. The deadline to participate is this Sunday 1 May.

The survey asks for detail on current fuel bills as a percentage of turnover, as compared to this time last year, and the proportion of turnover accrued from contracts with a fuel-price-to-rate linkage mechanism.

It also asks for information on the impact that fuel cost increases have had on businesses, and views on the recent 5p duty cut and a hypothetical 15p per litre essential user rebate. Finally, it seeks views on what further action government should take, and aims to gauge future business confidence should fleets face a lack of further support on fuel costs.

Greg Smith, MP for Buckingham and new chair of the APPG, said: “Road freight and logistics is the lifeblood of the UK economy and is vital to the success and future growth of the British economy, yet recent increases in fuel prices are fuelling inflation and applying unwanted pressure to businesses across the UK.

“The inquiry will consider what practical steps can be put in place to ensure that rising fuel prices will not prevent our haulage industry in playing its essential role in keeping our country moving. I encourage members of our road freight and logistics industry to respond to our call for written evidence and have their say on this hugely important issue.”

The survey can be accessed here.