Euro MP calls for fairer fuel taxation

7:42am Monday 5th May 2008

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THE Government is standing in the way of fair and open competition between drivers from the UK and other parts of Europe, according to Euro MP Geoffrey Van Orden.

Mr Van Orden said: "I find it astonishing long-distance hauliers from the East of England should have been forced to mount a protest in London against the unfair advantage our Government has given to foreign hauliers from other EU states.

"The highest rates of tax and duty on fuel of any country in Europe, combined with freedom of access for hauliers from other European states, have put British hauliers in a hopeless predicament.

"Due to soaring oil prices the Government is taking £13million more tax every day than it had forecast.

"In my view, the only fair solution is to immediately pass this unexpected windfall back to the hard-pressed motorist in the form of a tax reduction. British drivers are not asking for special treatment, only to enjoy the right to compete in a free and fair market."