A FIGHTING fund of more than £1million will be invested in a drive to try to persuade the Government to back down over its fuel duty escalator. Backed by BP and Marks & Spencer, the Freight Transport Association campaign is committed to reversing the annual 6% increase in fuel duty above the rate of inflation. Money will be ploughed into advertisements and lobbying, but the FTA is steering clear of demonstrations

Car fleets and hauliers alike have complained that the Government is simply treating motorists like 'piggy-banks on wheels'. Industry leaders say drivers are being taxed out of their vehicles when the Government has yet to create the long-promised viable alternative of integrated transport.

Launching the campaign, FTA deputy director general Richard Turner said: 'We intend to expose the facts about the damage being done to UK industry by such high and ever-increasing rates on fuel duty. The fuel duty escalator must be shown up for what it is - a debilitating tax that is reducing competitiveness and contributing absolutely nothing towards a better environment.'