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 40%. 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 September 2026 by the Chancellor, and
• Introducing an Essential User Rebate for critical transport operators.
These aren’t luxuries — they’re lifelines.

In Australia the PM has addressed the nation and put confidence back into the country, free public transport and announced a series of temporary measures aimed at easing immediate cost pressures, including halving fuel excise - a sales tax - and scrapping road user charges for heavy vehicles for three months. Other countries are already announcing plans to help. We need our government to follow suit we are essential road users. 

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.