Fuel hike could spark action

Fuel protesters brought Wales to a virtual halt three years ago

A leading west Wales fuel protester has warned a big hike in petrol duty could spark a return to direct action.

It was widely reported on the weekend that Chancellor Gordon Brown is considering a rise of 1.28p per litre on petrol although the Treasury says no decision has been taken.

Alan Greene, who acted as spokesman for more than 200 hauliers who picketed the Texaco and Elf refineries in Pembrokeshire at the height of the fuel crisis three years ago, said the protesters had since kept in regular contact.

"There is lot going on at the moment and a big rise in duty could light the fuse again," he said.

We could raise 250 lorries at the drop of a hat Haulier Alan Greene

"Our industry has been ripped to pieces but we will not go down without a fight."

According to the AA the average price at the pump for a litre of unleaded petrol in Wales during August was 76.3p. Diesel was 77.6p.

But prices in rural areas are as high as 79p a litre and Mr Greene warned if the price crept above 80p there could be a backlash.

He said he had no regrets about taking part in the blockade three years ago and believes protesters should have held out longer.

"One thing that came of it was it united all the small hauliers and now we are in touch with each other all the time.

"We could raise 250 lorries at the drop of a hat."

Congestion charges

As well as fuel prices he said hauliers were concerned about the possibility of being charged for using busy roads.

A pilot scheme is set to take place in south Leeds later this year which electronically monitors vehicle movements with drivers receiving monthly bills for travelling in slow moving and busy areas.

It is initially aimed at identifying and charging foreign haulage firms which at present are not required to pay to use UK roads but Mr Green said there were fears it could be extended.

Mr Greene, who founded the Carmarthenshire based company M&M Greene, said: "Eight years ago they was a fairly good living to be made.

"But now profits have been whittled away and there is nothing left.

"We have been hit by price rises, European working time directives which limit the hours we can work and now they are talking about congestion charges.

"Feelings are running high."