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Motorists fury over price of petrol
FRUSTRATED drivers today slammed the Government for raising pump prices.
Motoring groups and hauliers are warning of a difficult winter ahead after a 2.3p-a-litre fuel tax was introduced this week.
Petrol prices at the start of the year were roughly 85p a litre, but could now reach 110p a litre within weeks.
This rise equates to roughly 300 extra per year per car, or 600 more a year for the average two-car family.
Local businesses are now calling for change.
Leigh Standing, 40, from South Shore, who is a mobile engineer, said: "It's a rip off. I drive for a living and I pay for petrol through tax anyway.
"It came down and then they've put it up. People are struggling and they need their cars."
Craig Smith from Poulton hauliers EVTS, said: "Whether it's an old lady in a Mini or a fleet of lorries, it affects everyone – but there should be no duty for hauliers."
And Terry Upton, a taxi driver for Whiteside Taxis, said: "It's very upsetting when prices go up. Particularly when prices are going up anyway, then the Government decides to put an extra levy on.
"It makes it more difficult but we just keep going, there's no option."
Motoring groups have warned the hike could soon become a 5p rise as oil prices worldwide increase.
"This would mean the average two-car family spending yet another 120 a year on petrol.
RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink said: "This third fuel-duty hike is unacceptable.
"The Government needs to appreciate the impact such taxes have on cash-strapped families."
Edmund King, AA president, said: "A fuel price hike is the last thing that the economy needs at the moment.
"Now 67p out of every pound will go straight to the Government in tax."
The move has prompted supermarket chain Morrisons to freeze the price of its fuel for the rest of the week, but Blackpool drivers say there needs to be more help from Government.
Lesley Standing, from Ansdell, said: "I feel disempowered by everything. The Government should take this tax off petrol."
Josephine Rogers, from Marton, said: "It's unbelievable. It has a knock on effect, it'll be tough on businesses and could mean food prices go up. I won't be using the car as much, I'm cutting back and walking more instead.
"Let's hope we have a mild winter."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South west
