(Image: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)
More than 30,000 drivers have joined calls for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to cut fuel duty ahead of the Budget on October 28.
The campaign, organised by FairFuelUK, has brought together motorists, families, small business owners, tradespeople, farmers and hauliers demanding action on fuel costs.
The group is calling for an immediate fuel duty cut, a permanent freeze and stronger regulation of petrol and diesel prices, arguing that high motoring costs put pressure on households and businesses and push up prices across the economy.
What could John Healey announce for drivers at the Budget?
FairFuelUK has outlined several demands ahead of the Chancellor's statement on October 28. These include:
- Cutting fuel duty to help households and businesses.
- Committing to a permanent fuel duty freeze.
- Introducing a PumpWatch regulator with legal powers to investigate and prevent excessive fuel pricing.
- Following more than 40 countries which the campaign says have intervened to reduce fuel costs.
- Meeting FairFuelUK founder Howard Cox to discuss his 20-Year Transport Strategy, developed with input from more than 80,000 drivers and transport stakeholders.
‘Drivers have had enough’
Howard Cox, founder of FairFuelUK, said: "More than 30,000 people have emailed the Prime Minister and Chancellor within just 24 hours because drivers have had enough.
"They are tired of being treated as cash cows while politicians ignore the reality that affordable road transport is essential to every family, every business and every community in Britain.
"This isn't just about motorists. Every product on every supermarket shelf, every tradesperson, every delivery, every small business and every worker depends on affordable transport."
He added: "Ministers constantly talk about growth. Cheaper fuel is one of the fastest and most effective ways to lower costs, tackle inflation, and stimulate economic activity. Drivers' message couldn't be clearer.
"Cut Fuel Duty, introduce real fuel market transparency, and start treating Britain's motorists as part of the solution, not the problem."
Drivers highlight rural transport concerns
Comments from campaign supporters highlight how motorists rely on their vehicles for work, shopping and medical appointments, particularly where public transport is limited.
One pensioner in rural Wales said: "I'm a pensioner living in a very rural part of Wales. I need my car for hospital appointments.
"The nearest bus stop is three miles away."
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A self-employed driving instructor said: "As a self-employed driving instructor, these increases are crippling for my small business."
Another supporter argued that fuel pricing needed closer scrutiny, saying: "Crude oil prices are lower than they were 2 years ago, but the price at the pump is about 30% higher."
FairFuelUK says the October 28 Budget will be a crucial test of whether the Government will act on motorists' concerns.
Any fuel duty changes or new regulatory measures remain proposals, rather than confirmed Government policy.
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