Cardiff – Keep fuel duty freeze, say RHA members at Welsh Parliamentary event

Welsh RHA (Road Haulage Association) members called on MSs to urge the Chancellor to keep the fuel duty freeze ahead of next week’s Budget.

Operators from the haulage and coach sectors gathered with ministers and MSs at the Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament) last night (Wednesday 23 October).

Michael Gough, RHA Board Director for Wales said a rise in fuel duty next week would have a devastating effect on hauliers and coach operators amid reports that Rachel Reeves is considering a 7 pence per litre increase.

“I urge all members of this Senedd to speak to the Treasury at Westminster to keep the freeze on fuel duty.

“A rise would only speed up business failures,” he warned after record numbers of hauliers went bust last year.

The RHA Senedd Reception gave operators a platform to talk to the Government and other decision makers about key industry issues including driver facilities, decarbonisation, investment in roads and infrastructure and operating costs.

Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, pledged Welsh Government support for the industry including a Welsh Logistics Delivery Group.

He said government and industry must work together to promote careers in the sector as an attractive proposition for school leavers.

Natasha Asghar MS, the Shadow Minister for Transport said she was pushing the Welsh Government for more safe and secure lorry parking and better roadside facilities for truckers.

This would support efforts to attract more women into the industry, she added.

Career pathways in the industry is a key theme in this year’s National Lorry Week campaign which runs from 4-8 November.

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Notes for Editors

Images attached – Guests at the RHA Senedd Reception (23 October 2024).

More information on National Lorry Week.

RHA campaigning ahead of the Budget.