The RHA has submitted its asks to the Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement on 6 March.
They are calling on the Chancellor to support the thousands of HGV, coach and van operators across the country who keep Britain moving through the following key measures:
1. Continue the freeze on fuel duty and maintain the 5p cut.
2. Temporary suspension of Vehicle Excise Duty on HGVs and the HGV Levy
3. An emissions-linked rebate on fuel duty on alternative fuels.
4. An essential user rebate on fuel duty for commercial operators.
5. Reform of business rates to support transport businesses operating warehouses.
6. Help businesses suffering from higher interest rates by extending full expensing to the cost of vehicle leasing.
7. Reduction in insurance premium tax which disproportionately impacts road transport operators due to the number of mandatory insurances.
8. Encourage training providers and colleges to offer heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeships by increasing the funding band available to at least £23,000.
This comes against a backdrop of huge financial pressures squeezing the industry.
The cost of operating a 44-tonne HGV rose by nearly 10 percent (excluding fuel) last year as more than 450 haulage firms went bust amid falling freight volumes.
Richard Smith, RHA Managing Director, said: “We are calling on the Government to focus on stability, long-term growth and targeted support to tackle the major challenges the road transport industry currently faces to ease cost pressures on operators.”
The RHA launched its haulage manifesto earlier this month at its Parliamentary Reception setting out a vision to support the industry and boost the economy.
