LPG trade association UKLPG has signed up as an official backer of FairFuelUK (FFUK), and has taken the opportunity to urge the government to make alternative fuels more affordable in next month’s Budget.
The association has joined the RHA, FTA, APN and the RAC as head line sponsors of FFUK, which it continuing its call for more affordable fuel for operators.
Within this, UKLPG believes that chancellor George Osborne should have included LPG autogas, by having its fuel duty differential maintained until 2024, alongside LNG and CNG, in his Autumn Statement.
UKLPG’s director of communication and external affairs Lisa Thomson said: “The LPG industry fully supports FairFuelUK’s campaign to urge the government to maintain the lower fuel duty for automotive LPG beyond 2015, to encourage continued take up of this low carbon, low emission fuel.”
The FTA has also urged the chancellor to re-instate the duty differential for used cooking oil as fuel for commercial vehicles.
James Hookham, FTA’s MD of policy and communications, said: “The issue of high fuel prices has not gone away, and there are still constraints on growth and economic expansion. The chancellor would give a real boost to balancing the economy by reducing fuel duty by 3p per litre.”
More for ultra-low emission vehicles
The BVRLA has also asked the government to encourage operators to use ultra-low emission vehicles in the Budget.
It has suggested that the government should reinstate First Year Allowances for certain low emission vehicles, which allow users to make a claim for up to 100% of the cost of of vehicles against business profits in the first year of purchase.
It also said the government should support the installation of vehicle charging points at business premises.
Chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “The Budget is the perfect opportunity for the government to prove it is committed to driving the take-up of ultra-low emission vehicles.”
The chancellor will announce his Budget on 19 March.
FairFuelUK has said that The Fuelcard Company and Aldermore have both ended their roles as major backers of the campaign.
Howard Cox said: “I would like to thank both Aldermore and the Fuelcard Company who helped us in stopping £30 billion in taxes being hiked on UK road users during the life of this parliament."
