Former transport minister Stephen Ladyman has urged Kent hauliers to keep protesting –but warned them not to expect results any time soon.

The South Thanet MP spoke out as lorry drivers from across Kent were in London to take part in another mass demonstration against rising fuel prices.

Haulage firms claim they are no longer able to compete with European rivals due to the high cost of fuel and a possible increase in fuel tax later this year.

Dr Ladyman said he doubted the latest protest by UK hauliers – the third in as many months – would result in the Government moving a decision on fuel tax forward.

He also felt Whitehall would not adopt the "essential user" fuel duty rebate of around 25p a litre that truckers are seeking.

But he added that it was still important for the protestors to make their message heard.

He said: “I’m not sure if the protest itself will make a difference – the Government has already said it will look careful at the issue and make its position clear in the autumn.

“I can’t see them bringing it forward.

“But it doesn’t hurt to reinforce the message that haulage companies are suffering.

“They are losing business to foreign competitors and are looking to the Government for some help.”

He added: “The key thing is Government is listening and will make it position clear in the autumn statement.

“I will keep pressure on them until then.”

Truckers from Kent left Farthing Corner services on the M2 at Gillingham at around 7.30am on Wednesday, and met up with other lorries from across the country on the M40 before being marshalled into Westminster by police.

There they met with current transport minister Rosie Winterton.

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