The Road Haulage Association is devastated that the 3-year freeze on fuel duty has finally come to an end."

Today's announcement by the Chancellor has come as a tremendous blow to UK hauliers already operating at a considerable financial disadvantage to their European counterparts" said RHA Chief Executive Roger King.

"This increase has been labelled a 'green tax'. Today's haulier is already operating trucks that are 60% cleaner and greener than they were 6 years ago at the time of the first duty freeze. We, as 'essential users' already make a great contribution towards environmental improvements. Despite representing only 2% of vehicles on Britain's roads, our industry keeps UK plc in business. But we are still put into the same bracket as all other road users - many of whom do not share our consideration or investment.

"The Chancellor tells us that Government wishes to make further investment in education and training programmes. Of course we agree that these initiatives are of great benefit to society, but why should they be at the expense of the UK's most vital and, at the same time, most cost-effective industry?  If push came to shove, what public sector would he choose to finance ours?

"It seems that despite all our best efforts, Government STILL considers the UK haulage industry to be one of its greatest cash cows.

"Today's 1.25 pence per litre increase will, for many operators, signal the end of the road. Ours is an industry that should be rewarded - not penalised."