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WHAT THE PROTESTERS SAY
Page 7
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The convoy of protesters in London represented a broad mix of operators from across the country.
Joe Cook, head of Lincolnshire-based JS Cook & Sons, brought two trucks down to London, including the low-loader carrying the coffin that symbolised the death of the UK haulage industry. Cook tells CM: "I'm losing about £700-800 just being here, but it's worthwhile. We've got to make a stand."
Mark Jones, operations director of Gerry Jones, the Cwmcarn. Wales-based major fleet, Insists: "Something's got to be done now. We recently applied for an increase from a customer and they've just given us 3% — but since then, our costs have gone up another 5%. You can't catch up like that. In 18 months there won't be anyone left in the business"
Tim Ingram, a driver for Tonbridge-based S&S Distribution, joined in the convoy from Kent in his artic with the support of his company. "Where drivers wages were once the biggest single outlay,'' he says, "that's now been overtaken by fuel. I put 117 litres of diesel in the tank, and I was just doing local work The fuel cost more than my wages for the day!"
Julian Arnold, of JJT Logistics in Snodland, Kent, was disappointed by a previous fuel protest staged in Essex and travelled to London without a truck — but seeing the turnout, he wished that he had brought one.
"We went to Thurrock and there were more police than trucks. I'm glad to see some well-recognised firms out on the streets."