The Road Haulage Association welcomes today’s announcement that the proposed January fuel duty increase will be cancelled and that the 5pence per litre proposed for August 2012 will be reduced to 3 pence per litre.

“This represents a victory for the RHA and for the FairFuelUK campaign group”, said RHA chief executive Geoff Dunning.

“For many, today’s announcement will offer some respite but the fact remains that if the UK economy is to stand any chance of recovery, a much longer term solution is essential.

Despite the reduction to 3ppl, in August, the future for the economy in general and for UK hauliers in particular, looks extremely poor. Mr Osborne’s message was one of optimism and help for the economy. But this will not be a feeling shared by the UK road freight operators operating at a considerable financial disadvantage compared to their foreign counterparts.

The Association also welcomes the news that there will be a £5bn investment into infrastructure; in particular improvements to the road network in the Midlands, the South West and of course the halving of tolls on the Humber Bridge.

“We’ve come a long way”, concluded Dunning, but, if this industry is to thrive, there is still a very long way to go.