Video: MP visits hauliers to discuss fuel prices

HAULIERS had a visit from Jim Paice MP to discuss the rise in fuel duty on Friday. Partners from Geoff Hobbs Haulage in Soham told Mr Paice that their costs had gone up 15 per cent in the last year - and at 36,000 litres of diesel every 10 days, they are

HAULIERS had a visit from Jim Paice MP to discuss the rise in fuel duty on Friday.

Partners from Geoff Hobbs Haulage in Soham told Mr Paice that their costs had gone up 15 per cent in the last year - and at 36,000 litres of diesel every 10 days, they are spending more than ever. More than a third of their income goes on fuel.

"We've said, as an opposition party, that the government should consider introducing a fuel stabiliser, and do it through the tax system," said Mr Paice.

Geoff Hobbs recently went to Westminster to discuss problems facing smaller haulage firms, whose customers are increasingly setting high prices to cover their own costs.

The firm, based at Regal Lane, often transports goods associated with the construction industry, who are facing their own issues in the economic downturn, and are cutting costs at every turn - meaning hauliers face lower payments for transportation of goods.

Ian Osler, a partner in the firm, told the Ely Standard the company was fortunate not to suffer from diesel theft. "We don't have drivers staying overnight in laybys, we mainly do contracts in Cambridgeshire, and our premises are secured," he said.

Other firms in the area such as Bartrums of Littleport have been losing up to £1,000 a month in fuel siphoned from their vehicles' tanks.