Treasury to consider action on fuel costs after meeting with RHA member

Richard Meads, director of Meads Construction, has met with Treasury financial secretary Lucy Frazer to raise concerns about the rising cost of fuel.

Meads Construction, which is an RHA member, runs 20 trucks as part of a construction and groundworks business.

At the meeting, arranged by RHA, Meads told Frazer that the cost of filling up one bulk fuel tank of diesel costs £5,400 more than two years ago – an increase of £141,000.

He also pointed out that the removal of red diesel rebates costs the firm another £95,000, resulting in £235,000 of additional costs per year. He said the 5p cut in fuel duty was “a drop in the ocean”.

RHA is currently campaigning for an essential user rebate and this was also raised at the meeting, with Frazer pledging to discuss the issue with her colleagues in the Treasury.

She also said she would raise hauliers' concerns about fuel theft and freight crime with the Home Office.

Meads also argued for the HGV driver bootcamps, which are due to end in September, to be continued.

Sleeper cab allowance was another issue discussed at the meeting, in light of the current review of the allowance. Meads said this should be increased to reflect current prices, which Frazer also agreed to look into.

In a statement following the meeting, the RHA added: “Driver facilities were also raised as part of our campaign and petition on the issue. We said that government must address planning restrictions to enable more facilities to be built – and welcome recent funding put into upgrading existing sites.”