One auto hauler has described the UK government’s decision to increase fuel duty by 2p per liter in September as a “kick in the teeth.” The managing director at Roy Bowles Transport, based in Colnbrook, Berkshire, is saddened about the fuel increase. He said that it appears that the road transport industry is an easy target for the government to raise money.

The increase is seen as an affront to the haulage industry and the United Kingdom as a whole. The managing director at Massey Wilcox Transport, based in Chilcompton, Somerset, believes that because the basic price of fuel has come down, the government seems to think that it is easier to stick the fuel duty rise on now and people will not notice. These companies are not surprised by the announcement but will unfortunately have to pass on the increase to customers like other haulage firms.

Based in Manchester, AK Worthington’s group finance director says that the Chancellor seemed to look at the 2p per liter tax increase in September as an easy way to increase tax. The distribution industry will be forced to pass this on to customers. The Chancellor used the budget to announce a vehicle scrappage scheme in the UK, where anyone trading in a car or van that is at least ten years old and no more than 3.5 tons, will be offered GBP 2,000 towards a new vehicle.