The prospect of fuel blockades similar to those seen in 2000 are slim but not impossible, according to Phil Flanders.
Britain was almost brought to a standstill 11 years ago as protesters, objecting to petrol and diesel topping the 80p mark, blockaded oil refineries across the country.
That dispute lasted six days, but caused disruption that took almost a fortnight to rectify, with many forecourts closing after running out of fuel.
With prices in some places now almost double that of the 2000 disputes, there was some belief that blockades by farmers and hauliers could again be on the horizon, sparked by a scheduled rise in fuel duty in April.
However, Mr Flanders, director of the Road Haulage Associationin Scotland and Northern Ireland, insisted such action was not on the agenda, stating, “The majority of hauliers do not want protests.”
The Road Haulage Association is adopting a moderate approach to its objections for now. A letter to newspaper editors by chief executive Geoff Dunning stated his belief that public and industry pressure could force the coalition government into a rethink on future tax increases on fuel.
He said, “There is another fuel duty increase planned for April but if we can get enough support we can stop that happening.
“Rest assured, we will not take part in or support any kind of disruptive action as that would simply demean our industry, our country and hurt the general public who are already suffering.
“We are calling on the government to mirror this responsible attitude and approach and do something before it’s too late.”