Fuel rebate closer
Page 8
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• A 10-year transport plan to be unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott later this month could boost hauliers' hopes of winning a diesel rebate.
Prescott is believed to have persuaded the Treasury to extend the existing 36.6 8p/lit duty rebate for commercial bus operators to community groups running minibus taxi services in rural areas.
Although this is specifically designed to help poor people with no access to a car, it might set a precedent for hauliers struggling to compete with Continental rivals, Clive Hampson, Midlands' regional chairman of the RHA, says; "I personally believe we are going to get this rebate— but when! don't know," • The transport plan is unlikely to include spending on new road building, contrary to previous expectations. See story on page 5 for full details.