RHA urges transport firms to respond to fuel survey

Road transport fleets are being called upon to help strengthen the case for fuel duty relief by the Road Haulage Association (RHA), by responding to its current fuel survey which closes this Sunday.

According to RHA managing director Richard Smith, more industry insight is required on how reducing fuel duty would benefit operators, such as through improving cashflow, investment, maintaining services and protecting business stability.

The association, which has repeatedly warned of the companies and jobs being put at risk by increased fuel costs, is also asking operators to set out how these pressures are affecting confidence and long-term business resilience. It says it will use the feedback received to bolster the message to the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, that an essential fuel user rebate for haulage, coach and van operators would help protect businesses and ease inflationary pressure.

“Over the past few months operators have provided invaluable insight through our fuel surveys, helping us build the evidence behind our discussions with government, MPs, and officials,” said Richard Smith.

“The level of engagement this has generated shows how important this issue remains across the industry, which is why we continue to gather evidence as the situation evolves.

“Earlier surveys have already revealed that many operators are unable to fully pass increased fuel costs on to customers, meaning businesses are often having to absorb those pressures themselves.

“This feedback strengthens our case for action and helps ensure government understands what is happening on the ground across the haulage, coach and van sectors.”

The survey, which is said to take less than five minutes to complete, is available here. The deadline is Sunday 17 May.