By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 16:58, Friday, 29 June 2012

Chancellor George Osborne’s decision to suspend this summer’s 3p rise in fuel duty has been welcomed by Cumbria’s hauliers, MPs and a training provider.

The rise was due to come into force next month.

News from Westminster has been welcomed with relief from those who make their livings from driving in Cumbria.

Cumbria Logistics Employer Forum – an alliance representing haulage companies in the county – believes the suspension will help many cope with spiralling costs.

Chairman Andy Hallington said: “As a group representing logistics operators and hauliers across the region, we welcome the Government’s decision to scrap the planned rise in fuel duty.

“Many businesses with large fleets were finding it difficult to cope with the spiralling fuel costs so this move is certainly one that will be appreciated.

“As well as a high number of haulage businesses, our region boasts a large number of bus and coach fleets.

“We’ve also got many manufacturing and retail companies with their own vehicles so this decision will have a positive impact across the board.”

As costs have risen transport firms have been looking at ways of saving fuel and lowering costs.

System Training in Carlisle runs a Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) course – which is proven to lower fuel, insurance and accident costs.

Andy Dodds, e-commerce manager with System Training, said: “More and more local businesses and large fleets are looking at our Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving courses to help reduce costs associated with the rising price of fuel.

“About 10 per cent of people locally are employed in the logistics sector so the cost of fuel really has had an impact on local companies.

“But many are realising that its their drivers who are the biggest factor influencing fuel consumption and that’s why we think our Fuel Efficient Driver training has grown in popularity.”

Yodel, the UK’s second largest parcel delivery company, enrolled 10 per cent of its drivers on System Training’s SAFED course. It says the outcome has already resulted in a £600,000 reduction of fuel costs and a 48 per cent fall in accident costs – saving £1.6 million each year.

Carlisle MP John Stevenson said: “This is something which has been a major concern to my constituents, and this announcement will help families and businesses across Carlisle.

“By taking action on fuel pump prices, freezing council tax and cutting income tax for millions of people, the Conservatives are providing real help to people with the cost of living and a boost for Carlisle’s economy.”

Mr Stevenson said fuel duty is now 10p a litre lower than Labour planned, and motorists will save £159 on filling up the average family car by the end of the year.

Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart said: “I welcome the Chancellor’s decision wholeheartedly.

“This means that pump prices will be 10 pence a litre cheaper on Penrith and the Border’s forecourts than if the Government had not abolished the pre-existing fuel duty escalator.

“And, as a result of repeated action to support motoring constituents, fuel duty will not have been increased for two successive years now, and the average family with a car will be £159 a year better off overall than they otherwise would have been. Hauliers will on average be £4,900 a year better off.

“The planned increase would have placed an ever-greater burden on those living in rural areas who rely on their cars so much.

“I am acutely aware of how major an issue rising fuel costs is to those hardworking local constituents who are struggling to make ends meet.

“Increasing fuel duty at such a difficult time would have been extremely dangerous to our much-needed economic growth, and I am delighted that the Chancellor has listened and has taken this step.”

South Lakes MP Tim Farron was one of 80 MPs who signed a motion calling on the Government to cut fuel duty.

He said: “In rural areas like ours, a car is not a luxury, it is a necessity of life and fuel costs are a major issue.

“Increasing fuel duty at this time would be destructive for growth, which we need in our economy now more than ever.

“That’s why I’ve been campaigning for the Government to drop their planned fuel duty increase and why I’m delighted that they have listened and taken this important step forward.”

First published at 14:35, Friday, 29 June 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk