BUDGET 2002
PETROL RETAILERS' RELIEF AT EXCISE DUTY FREEZE

'The Chancellor's decision to freeze excise duty on motor fuels throws a vital lifeline to ailing independent petrol retailers who have been closing down at an unacceptable rate - 842 last year - due to the untenable tax burden forced upon them,' said Ray Holloway, petrol retailers director of the RMI, responding to today's Budget statement.

'For a considerable period of time we have pleaded with the government to freeze the current levels of excise duty on road transport fuels and to change how they are applied when fuel is purchased by small businesses in the petrol retail industry. Any increases would directly contribute to further closures of independently owned filling stations in the UK, as higher working capital costs to fund the purchase of tax-inclusive - duty plus VAT - litre prices disadvantages these retailers against the large oil corporations that supply them with fuel.

'The Chancellor was not specific about further duty reductions on new, cleaner fuels next year or his definition of the term "frozen". I am sorely disappointed that a promise made in the pre-Budget report to cut tax on bio-fuels was not mentioned in the Chancellor's statement,' Holloway added.

MOTORISTS PROTECTED FROM BROWN'S TAX SQUEEZE
'We are delighted that the Chancellor has not milked motorists and the motor industry. The actions Gordon Brown has taken on vehicle excise duty are a blessing for motorists, and his promise for small businesses should continue to help the retail motor industry,' said Alan Pulham, franchised dealers director of the RMI.

JOY AS BROWN CUTS MOTORCYCLE ROAD TAX
'At long last this government has recognised the congestion-busting, green credentials of motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, said Frank Finch, motorcycle retailers director of the RMI. 'The Chancellor's decision today to reduce vehicle excise duty for motorcycles by up to £35 will undoubtedly help contribute to the easing of congestion in inner cities by making powered two-wheelers an increasingly viable alternative for frustrated commuters.'