Drivers’ delight as price rise cancelled

Fuel price campaigners in the north were celebrating last night after George Osborne cancelled a rise in prices at the pumps.

The 3p-a-litre increase was due to hit hard-pressed motorists from September 1, but was abandoned in the Budget yesterday. The UK Government said the move would benefit 2.7million drivers in Scotland, saving the average motorist £25, van drivers £50 and hauliers £750 every year. Mr Osborne said petrol would now be 13p a litre cheaper than if the duty had not been frozen over the last two years.

The chancellor singled out a Highland MP, along with local campaigners across the country, saying they had convinced him to cancel the planned increase. “Families’ budgets are squeezed and I hear those who want me to do more to help them get by,” he said. “My honourable friend for Harlow (Conservative MP Robert Halfon) has again spoken up for his hard-working constituents. He’s been joined by many other honourable friends, like the member for Argyll and Bute (Liberal Democrat Alan Reid). We’ve all listened to the people we represent.”

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