The RHA is calling on transport operators to help strengthen the case for fuel duty relief, as increased costs put firms and jobs at risk.
The association is asking hauliers to provide more industry insight on how reducing fuel duty would benefit operators. This could be with cashflow, investment, maintaining services and protecting business stability.
They’re also asking firms to set out how fuel pressures are affecting confidence and long-term business resilience.
The RHA will use this feedback to bolster the message to the Chancellor that an Essential User Rebate available to haulage, coach and van operators would help protect businesses and ease inflationary pressure.
Smith urged operators to respond to the RHA’s latest survey to help keep the pressure on ministers for the relief businesses need.
He said: “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.
“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 takes less than five minutes to complete. The deadline is Sunday 17 May.
The survey can be found here.
The RHA continues to call for:
- an immediate essential user rebate
- no increase in fuel duty in September
- no link between fuel duty and inflation from April 2027
- fair payment terms to support cashflow
