After spearheading the successful Gurkha campaign in 2009 (inspired by Cranbrook resident Annie Watsham), local Kent man Peter Carroll has today launched a new campaign to call for a halt on fuel duty rises and the introduction of a fuel price stabiliser.

His press release reads: The man behind the stunningly successful Gurkha Campaign of 2009 has launched a new nationwide campaign to fight for fairer fuel prices for UK road freight companies.  Peter Carroll has launched FairFuelUK.  The campaign was launched today 9th January 2011.  Peter is asking for support from the general public, the road hauliers, the road freight trade associations and the truck manufacturers and from all the major groups that represent the British Economy – such as the CBI, the FSB and the Chambers of Commerce. 

A road haulier himself, Peter said, ‘Spiralling fuel prices pushed up even higher by fuel duty rises are crushing the UK road freight industry.  This is hurting the entire economy.  It is pushing up prices and stoking inflation which affects everyone.  I know that the Government has serious budget problems to address.  However, in this case, the medicine is going to kill the patient.’ 

Peter added, ‘I want to build up FairFuelUK into the largest, most broadly based and most powerful campaign for fairer fuel prices for British Business ever put together.  We will concentrate on lobbying MPs and the Government.  I aim to hold mass rallies of vehicles in the coming weeks as we run up to the Budget so that the Government is in no doubt about the depth of this crisis.’ 

The launch had been planned for Feb 2011.  However, the surge in fuel prices since Christmas has led to the launch date being brought forward.  Peter added, ‘Businesses and members of the public can sign up at www.fairfueluk.com.  At this time, there is so much common ground between the general motorist and the road freight industry as any concession to either category is likely to help the other.  Future rises in duty MUST be shelved and some form of fuel price stabiliser introduced’.

I filled up my car today, and whilst I might not be a trucker (!) the prices now are staggering, and it cost almost £70.00 for a full tank. Where do you buy your petrol? Any useful resources to help local people fill up more cheaply please?