Williams to sit on Fuel Prices Group

2.10.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 11th Jul 2008

Kirsty Williams AM Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Transport is to sit on the newly formed Fuel Prices Petition Rapporteur Group to consider the growing fuel crisis.

The Group will look at the effect of the rising price of fuel on the haulage industry in Wales as a result of a petition to the Assembly raising concerns about the crippling financial impact of rising fuel prices on Welsh haulage businesses.

Kirsty Williams said: "The rising price of fuel is a very relevant and emotive issue and I believe that this group shows that the committee is listening to the issues that are affecting people and is acting upon them with immediacy.

"Our review will look at the competitiveness and sustainability of the industry and what the Welsh Assembly can do to support it.

"The group will also consider ways to move away from our oil dependency and look at more sustainable alternatives such as moving road freight onto the railways; which will not only be better for the environment but will lead to greater use and investment into our rail network so improving the service for passengers.

"The Welsh Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign for a rural fuel rebate, which we believe will alleviate the situation for those who due to their rural location have no alternative to using their cars. Clearly in the long-term we must increase public transport provisions, extend walking and cycling facilities and look to alternative sources of fuel for vehicles but in the short term the government must take all the action available to ease pressure on communities.

Notes:

The Enterprise and Learning Committee have elected the Rapporteur Group to undertake scoping work on a future inquiry and will report back to the full committee.