The Road Haulage Association's new Back the Business survey has found that 82% of businesses back government action on fuel duty.

The RHA warns that with over 85% of Britain's goods moving by road, fuel costs feed straight into what households pay. Fuelling an HGV now costs over £380 a week more, and hauliers run on margins of around 2%.

Ahead of the Budget, the RHA is asking the Chancellor, John Healey, for a Rebate of 15p per litre for essential users of fuel like HGV, coach and van operators. A 15p rebate is £1,500 back for every 10,000 litres. Spain, France and Italy already give commercial operators a rebate, and just last week, Ireland introduced a new new road transport fuel support scheme. 

The RHA says that the rebate must be additional to keeping the fuel duty freeze, scrapping the fuel duty hikes planned for early next year, and removing the link between fuel duty and inflation (RPI) set for April.

RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith said: "Fuel prices continue to hammer many of the businesses that keep Britain moving. Piling fuel duty rises on top will push up costs for every firm that moves goods and every household that buys them.

"We need the Chancellor's support. Our message is clear: Bring in a fuel rebate for the HGV, coach and van operators this country depends on, and scrap the planned fuel duty rises. These are cheapest and quickest inflation controls available to Government."

The RHA is asking businesses to email their MP and add their name to its open letter to the Chancellor at rhacontactmp.uk.net.