A DOUBLE whammy of a New Year's Day fuel duty increase and a 2.5 per cent value added tax (VAT) increase has consigned UK truckers to a bleak 2011, says London's Containerisation International.
The increases are set to add to the problems of an industry struggling to recover from the pre-Christmas "worst weather in decades" snarling of the supply chain.
"Without us, the country really would have ground to a halt. We, as an industry, have been given what amounts to little more than another kick in the teeth," said Road Haulage Association spokeswoman Kate Gibbs.
"With diesel prices rocketing on an almost daily basis, the New Year fuel duty increase was disappointing, to say the least. Combine that with the increase in VAT to 20 per cent and the New Year prospects for many already look bleak."
Ms Gibbs warned that for some hauliers the latest cost hikes might literally be the end of the road as they struggle to factor in the increases, and not least a further fuel duty rise planned for April.
(Source:www.schednet.com)
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