The Government's two year freeze on UK diesel ended with a rise of 2 pence per litre on 1st October 2007. This takes the fuel duty element of the price of a litre of diesel to 50.36p compared with an average for the rest of Europe of 22.7p per litre. Further increases of 2p per litre are due in April 2008 and 1.84p in April 2009.

The Road Haulage Association calculates that the latest increase adds costs of £870 to the fuel bill for a 44 tonne articulated truck. Framptons run over 60 vehicles, so this rise equates to a staggering £52,200 on our operational cost, with the prospect of similar increases in the next couple of years. This must seem great news for foreign trucks running on cheaper continental fuel and accessing our roads for free. But the inevitable onward costs to UK commerce and ultimately the consumer could be disastrous for many businesses and the economy as a whole.

No transport company can afford to absorb these amounts and the application of fuel surcharges has become an unwelcome, but necessary part of a responsible operator's practice. We know our customers understand that fuel surcharges are not of our making, but as they in turn pass on these increases, the chain of cost recovery drives up inflation and makes 'the level playing field' in both international and domestic markets ever more difficult for UK business.

Framptons Transport Services Ltd supports the Road Haulage Association's call on the Treasury to review this increase and introduce a fuel rebate scheme for essential users instead. We would like as many people as possible to join our protest against this unfair and commercially detrimental stealth tax.

If you are concerned at the effect that fuel tax rises will have on your costs and would like to register your protest, please write to your local MP or the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling at