Any glimmer of hope that the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, would offer British businesses and motorists relief from the soaring cost of petrol and diesel – which earlier this month hit record UK highs – was quashed during today’s Budget, says ATS Euromaster.

The Chancellor confirmed he would not be making any further changes to the fuel duty plans already set out. As a result, the planned 3.02 pence per litre (ppl) rise in fuel duty will take effect from 1 August 2012. With VAT at 20 per cent, this will see pump prices jump by nearly 4ppl.

Ian Stuart, Group Managing Director of Birmingham-based ATS Euromaster, the UK’s largest comprehensive tyre specialist, said: “Today was a golden opportunity for the Chancellor to reach out to British business by scrapping the planned fuel duty increase. The Government could have used the additional tax generated by record fuel prices to offset the planned rise in duty.

“Instead, their decision strikes a bitter blow right into the heart of the economy. When will the Chancellor realise that the country cannot get back on its feet if the cost of fuel is continually dragging businesses and motorists back down?”

Following today’s Budget statement, ATS Euromaster has issued a stark reminder to motorists, fleet managers and company bosses that there are steps they can take quickly to mitigate the impact fuel duty increases have on their bottom line.

Stuart explains: “The Chancellor has let motorists and businesses down, but it’s critical the same thing doesn’t happen to your tyres. Tyre condition and fuel efficiency are inextricably linked. It doesn’t matter whether you are driving a car, van or truck – get your pressures right, and you’ll save fuel.”
 

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