The Fuelcard Company has launched a national petition amongst commercial vehicle drivers, calling for ministers to reduce fuel tax and increase support for the transport industry.

Titled ‘Don’t Fleece Our Fleet,’ the campaign will be taken on a six-week tour around the UK, visiting truck stops nation-wide. The campaign aims to raise awareness about fuel duty and generate support for the fleet industry.

Jakes de Cock, marketing director at The Fuelcard Company said “The fleet industry is the backbone of the UK economy, providing a vital logistical service to businesses and organisations across the country and yet is left perpetually struggling to stay afloat thanks to these apparently never-ending hikes in fuel duty.

“We are calling on the Government to support the UK fleet industry which has suffered in the past few years with repeated fuel tax hikes leaving many companies fighting for survival. The latest measures announced in the emergency budget, including the increase in VAT and the change to capital allowances, will only serve to weaken the industry further.”

“Motorists suffer as well, of course. The cost of diesel at filling stations currently averages 120.9p/litre – and 75 percent of that is taxes. That will increase further still when VAT rises from 17.5 percent to 20 percent in January. When will the Government begin to recognise that fuel is not a luxury for many people in this country but a daily necessity?”