UK DRIVERS PAY PRICE OF FAILURE AGAIN AS TREASURY INCREASES FUEL DUTY.

UK DRIVERS PAY PRICE OF FAILURE AGAIN AS

TREASURY INCREASES FUEL DUTY.

PETROL PRICE HIKE WILL HINDER ECONOMIC RECOVERY,

SNP Westminster Transport spokesperson Angus MacNeil MP has warned tomorrow’s 2p increase in fuel duty could hinder economic recovery, and repeated calls for the increase to be scrapped.

Mr MacNeil said:

“Pushing up fuel prices is absolutely the wrong thing to do when the economy is in the grip of recession, and this action could well hinder recovery.

“At a time when the UK government should be looking at ways of stimulating growth, the Treasury is intent on slapping another 2p on the price of petrol and diesel. This course of action can only result in increased costs for businesses and hard pressed households.

“At present taxes account for just over 70% of every pound spent at the pumps. In the Highlands and Islands that price is further distorted by transportation costs and the price of fuel influences the cost of every commodity and service brought to the area.

“Treasury Ministers in London fail to understand that in rural areas the operation of a car is a necessity rather than a choice. Such an increase should be recognised for what it is; it is not a Green Tax but a Brown Tax.”