For two decades, I have owned and operated a logistics company in my constituency, providing employment for more than 50 people. It's been a proud journey, supporting communities, ensuring goods reach their destinations on time, and contributing to the local economy. But our industry is facing a crisis.

Over the past month, diesel wholesale prices have skyrocketed by. In the logistics sector, fuel constitutes approximately 30% of heavy goods vehicle (HGV) operating costs. The financial burden is becoming unbearable, and it's squeezing many small and medium-sized enterprises to their breaking point. Over the past two years, more than 1,000 haulage companies have failed, leaving a trail of unemployment and economic disruption. 


When transport businesses struggle, the whole economy feels it. Prices rise. Supply chains weaken. Everyday essentials become more expensive. THE SECTOR AND LOGISTICS COMPANIES SURVIVE ON A MARGIN OF 2% PROFIT MARGINS!!!! THAT'S ALL.

I’ve asked my MP to support two urgent measures:

• Scrapping the fuel duty rise planned for the end of  2026 by the Chancellor, and
• Introducing an Essential User Rebate for critical transport operators.
These aren’t luxuries — they’re lifelines.

A long read but stay with me. But please share. The message needs supporting. 

THE HARSH REALITY OF BEING A HAULIER IN 2026
Let’s  talk about what it actually takes to keep Britain moving right now.

When a standard articulated lorry pulls up to the pumps, filling an 800-litre tank from empty costs roughly £1,560.
But here is the kicker that the public doesn’t see: £684 of that single fill-up goes straight to the UK Treasury.
The government takes a staggering 85.50p in tax on every single litre through a combination of Fuel Duty and VAT.
The Government Could Step In. 
But They Aren't 
The  government has the power to drastically reduce this burden.
A meaningful cut to fuel duty would instantly relieve the entire logistics sector.
Instead, they play political games.
They look like they are giving with one hand by announcing temporary freezes, but be sure they are taking it back with the other.
Let’s be completely honest: the Treasury isn't hurting from high fuel prices they are loving the massive VAT windfall it generates.
Why This Matters to Everyone. Hauliers  cannot simply swallow thousands of pounds in extra costs every single week.
Margins in transport are razor-thin.
We have absolutely no choice but to pass these increases down the line to the customer. If we don’t we close our gates for good. 
And what happens next?
The manufacturers pay more for freight.
The supermarkets pay more for stock.
The consumer pays more at the checkout.
Every loaf of bread, every pint of milk, and every item you buy has to travel on the back of a truck.
High diesel tax isn't just a haulier problem; it is a direct tax on the supermarket shelves and the British public’s pockets.
It is time for the government to stop treating the logistics industry like a cash cow and start protecting the economy. 

If you’re a business owner, a consumer, or part of any sector that relies on road transport (which is almost all of them), I’m asking you to join me. Sign this petition. Share your concerns. Write to your MP to add your voice. We are already having to put our prices up to cover the costs this will radiate to what you buy in the shops. 
Together, we can push for the support of our industry — and our communities — desperately need. If we all sign we can MAKE government debate this. At 10,000 signatures the petition on the UK Government and Parliament site gets a response from the government.
At 100,000 signatures this  petition on the UK Government and Parliament site will be considered for a debate in Parliament. So share it with your workforce, family etc. 
Petitions which reach 100,000 signatures are almost always debated

Regards Stephen and  Diane Bridgen Central Hub Logistics Ltd, Central Fleet Management Ltd.