Aims of the HFA Part 1

Significantly reduce the fuel duty and VED paid by UK haulage companies.

The HFA would like to see fuel duty and VED levied at the EU average not at a French or Irish level, being cheaper would actually earn more for the treasury as foreign hauliers would actually fill up in this country rather than abroad. The argument that government often uses about the social costs being higher over the channel simply does not wash, how can ones countries social costs be compared to another's with regard to one industry?

There must be an essential user rebate scheme introduced, the simplest way to do it would be to use a different coloured fuel, and make it available only to Standard Operator's Licence holders with the same penalties on abuse that red diesel carries. Around £5 billion of the total income of £36 billion collected by the chancellor for fuel duty and VED is paid by the haulage industry, they will obviously be less than willing to reduce this without a fight.

The HFA cannot understand the statements issued by the FTA and to a lesser degree the RHA who welcomed this years budget from the chancellor. We take the view that duty would have been increased by a far greater amount if the oil producing countries had not increased the price of crude so dramatically in the weeks leading up to the budget. This was hinted at my Mr. Brown himself! As far as the reduction in the VED for certain vehicles is concerned it cannot have escaped the chancellors notice the alarming exodus of British registered vehicles from these shores, 3500 from Northern Ireland alone applied to register in Southern Ireland. The 44 tonne limit was appreciated if it ever comes to pass.

Stop hauliers being made liable for the illegal immigrant problem.

The stance of the government concerning £2000 fines for each stowaway found on board trailers coming into Britain is absolutely ludicrous, how do they expect drivers to literally guard their vehicles 24 hours a day. Obviously drivers must take the required breaks, they must leave their vehicles for sustenance and bodily functions but with the best will in the world some are still being caught out even after taking the most stringent precautions and security checks. There is also a question of personal safety and the anxiety and stress levels which the driver will obviously feel. This is another case of the haulier being made a scapegoat by the inadequacies of the Immigration Office and the Police, the courts are now fining hire companies for allowing their trailers to be used for smuggling illegal immigrants, has this country gone mad? Do these people in the Home Office really know what they are doing?

The chancellor has promised another 1000 jobs for the Customs & Excise in order to stem the flow of illicit cigarettes and booze flowing into Britain, why then cant he provide more resources to stop the human influx?

Hauliers and their employees are once again being targeted as they are regarded as a "soft touch", massive fines being imposed for relatively minor offences, what next?

Looking at this problem and taking it to the extreme, the haulier could be made liable for almost any offence committed anywhere at any time. Think about it..