Two hundred hauliers attended a public meeting in Skipton last night to protest at Budget increases in diesel prices and road tax.

And Skipton MP David Curry gave his backing to Craven hauliers and pledged to help fight for their cause in Parliament.

The desperate situation facing the hauliers was first highlighted when Vi Watkinson, from Embsay, tackled Tory leader William Hague during a recent visit to the area.

Mrs Watkinson, whose family runs a haulage business, told Mr Hague that the last Budget increases in diesel and vehicle excise duty (road tax) meant they were losing money each day they were on the road.

Last night, worried haulage companies from as far afield as Lancaster, Northallerton and Preston gathered at Skipton Auction Mart to discuss the situation.

David Curry told the meeting, also attended by Shadow Transport Minister, Bernard Jenkin: "Direct your grievances towards your MPs. Melt their phones; send faxes and letters; let them know you are not prepared to put up with it any longer."

Mr Jenkin said that hauliers have found themselves in a no-win situation because fuel and road tax prices on the continent are much lower than in Britain.

A spokesman for Watkinson Transport of Keighley said the Government's explanation for increasing charges was for environmental reasons.

"They are making out that it's to make the country cleaner but it won't work. Congestion on the motorways is getting worse and it's not because of wagons, it's because of cars."

A petition is now being signed by all the truckers in the area and is going to be handed over to Tony Blair at Downing Street.

Mrs Watkinson is urging everyone to put their name down to add weight to their cause. A book will be available at the auction mart as well as with Mrs Watkinson. Those wishing to get in touch with her can reach her on (01756) 799874.

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