The Freight Transport Association says common sense prevailed with the Chancellor’s Budget announcement of a freeze on fuel duty, but that it will continue to campaign for cuts on behalf of its members.

James Hookham, FTA’s Deputy Chief Executive, said:

“The Chancellor has listened to the voice of industry by keeping fuel duty at current levels, which is to be welcomed. However, the Government has emphasised that its primary objective is to protect the UK economy. We believe that reducing fuel duty would make a huge contribution to this objective and we will continue to campaign with FairFuelUK for a 3 pence per litre cut in order to stimulate economic growth.”

The Association, which has 14,700 members in the logistics industry, says falling fuel prices have been a major factor in the country’s recovery. But high taxes mean transport operators haven’t benefited, with only a 13% cut in prices at the pump despite a 43% drop in world oil prices.