WITH a fuel bill of almost £80,000 a year, the last thing haulier Karen Lawson needs is another hike in fuel duty.
Mrs Lawson, 36, who owns C and N Transport Services, in Spennymoor, County Durham, said: "The fuel is so much cheaper abroad. Over here, we pay 63p a litre without VAT, compared with 43p a litre without VAT in France. Their vehicle taxation is a lot less than ours, as well."
The company was set up in September 2000 and employs five people, with Mrs Lawson sub-contracting out some work.
Their main business is in European transport, and the firm makes regular trips to Germany, France, Belgium and Italy.
Like many hauliers in the region, Mrs Lawson wants to see foreign drivers entering Britain pay a tax, as they do abroad.
During one recent trip to Italy, the firm spent £338 on tax and toll fees in foreign countries.
"There are many foreign companies starting up in business now who are really knocking their prices down because they don't have to pay the toll fees and tax when they come over here," said Mrs Lawson, who is a member of the Road Haulage Association and North-East Chamber of Commerce.
"Mr Brown should introduce a tax on foreign haulage companies coming over here."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article