RHA has put out a call to transport operators, including coach businesses, to complete its survey on the effects of rising fuel costs.
The survey, which is open until 17 May, is designed to help the trade body in its lobbying of the government for a reduction in fuel duty.
The campaign has intensified in light of the war in Iran, which has led to a 34% increase in the price of diesel since the end of February.
As well as an immediate essential user rebate, another call is for the government to cancel plans to increase fuel duty in September for the first time since 2011. RHA also wants the government to abandon the commitment to link fuel duty to inflation from April 2017.
RHA says its survey takes less than five minutes to complete and will give insight into how reducing fuel duty might help coach and haulage operators, which could include cashflow, investment, maintaining services and protecting business stability.
The body’s managing director, Richard Smith, says: “Over the past few months, operators have provided invaluable insight through our fuel surveys, helping us build the evidence behind our discussions with government, MPs, and officials.
“The level of engagement this has generated shows how important this issue remains across the industry, which is why we continue to gather evidence as the situation evolves.
“Earlier surveys have already revealed that many operators are unable to fully pass increased fuel costs on to customers, meaning businesses are often having to absorb those pressures themselves.
“This feedback strengthens our case for action and helps ensure government understands what is happening on the ground across the haulage, coach and van sectors.”
