Scottish Taxi Federation backs SNP fuel plan

The Scottish Taxi Federation has given its support to the SNP's proposals for a fuel duty regulator.

The STF offered their support as they met with MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to explain the problems taxi drivers are facing with rising fuel costs.

Only last week The Edinburgh Taxi Association warned it had not had enough volunteers to run the Edinburgh Taxi Trade's Kiddies' Outing, which takes disabled children from Edinburgh for a day out at the beach due to the impact of rising fuel costs.

SNP MSP Stuart McMillan, who hosted the Scottish Taxi Federation's visit to Parliament said;

"Earlier this week MSPs witnessed at first hand the entirely justifiable anger of the Scottish haulage industry at the huge rises in fuel costs they are facing. Now it is the turn of the Scotland's taxi drivers to explain to MSP's the hardship they are suffering as prices at the pump sky rocket.

"The taxi industry is an important, and all too often overlooked, part of the Scottish transport system. They provide a valuable service to the public, particularly for those for whom other forms of public transport are not appropriate - such as the disabled or the very elderly.

"That is why it is so worrying that the industry is facing such difficulty due to the high price of fuel, and why immediate action by the UK Treasury is needed."

Bill McIntosh, STF General Secretary:

"Rising fuel costs are crippling the taxi trade throughout Scotland. Our members are facing weekly increases at the pump and the situation is now critical. The average taxi driver's fuel bill is has increased by around £160 a month in a very short space of time. This is compounded by the fact that the industry can only raise fares after a process that can take up to four months. With fuel prices rising daily, the industry cannot wait that long and something needs done now.

"One solution is the fuel duty regulator, which would help stabiliseprices at the pump and take some of the financial pressure off hard pressed taxi drivers and companies. I urge the all MSPs and MPs to back this proposal and provide a much needed boost to our members."

SNP Treasury Spokesman Stewart Hosie MP, who has lodged an amendment to the UK Finance Bill to introduce a Fuel Duty Regulator, added:

"While the Treasury rakes in billions from North Sea Oil revenues, Scottish taxi drivers are suffering. It is ridiculous that in an oil rich country key sectors such as the taxi industry are struggling to fill their tanks.

"Gordon Brown cannot continue to sit idly by while fuel costs cripple the Scottish economy and lifeline services. Thanks to Scotland's oil, the UK Government has the resources to step in and lend a hand. All that is missing is the political will.

"I welcome the Scottish Taxi Federation's support for this proposal, alongside that of the Road Haulage Association and even that of some Labour MPs. I urge all parties to support Scottish industry and to back the Fuel Duty Regulator in Parliament in coming weeks."