The boss of Dave James Group in Shropshire has used social media site Twitter to announce the closure of the firm's haulage arm and blast the government's attitude towards the industry.
Over the next few weeks, the group's subsidiary Dave James Transport will wind down after operating at a loss for the past 12 months.
"The death knell of the family-run haulage business is ringing as we speak thanks to European legislation and government greed on fuel," owner Dave James announced on Twitter.
Talking exclusively to RoadTransport.com, he says: "We have always been VOSA-compliant and are a reputable business, but it seems that if you operate in this way you can't make a profit. Diesel accounts for two-thirds of our income and the government then adds another fuel duty hike. The haulage industry is short changed every time and I am not prepared to operate in this way anymore."
James also says the business has been crippled by having to comply with London LEZ regulations for its journeys to Erith, in south-east London. He has posted a message to London mayor Boris Johnson via Twitter: "I laid off three valuable members of staff today because of the forthcoming Euro-4 LEZ and the cost of diesel rising 20p in 12 months."
He says Johnson is following his daily posts but has not responded directly.
However, the coalition government bore the brunt of James's anger. "They Con-Dem the haulage industry. Not one MP is willing to stand in the transport industry's corner, yet without transport the country is paralysed. It is time we are heard."
The company's other divisions, which include CV sales and tyre services, are unaffected by the closure of Dave James Transport. Three more drivers have been made redundant as a result.
James concludes: "We are pulling the plug because the government has forced us out of work."
To view James's Twitter page, click here.
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