The campaign, entitled "Don't Fleece Our Fleet", is intended to raise awareness and generate support for the fleet industry, which has seen fuel duty increases totalling 15% during the recession, with further tax hikes on the way totalling around 5%.

UK diesel duty is by far the highest in the EU, at 57.19 pence a litre, and more than double what some EU competitors pay. To raise awareness of the petition The Fuelcard Company will embark on a six-week tour of the country's biggest truck-stops with an enormous 14ft American BBQ serving burgers to the nation's truck drivers.

The petition will call on the Government to lower fuel tax, or freeze it at its current level, before the UK fleet industry suffers irreparable damage.

Jakes de Kock, marketing director of The Fuelcard Company, said: 'The fleet industry is the backbone of the UK economy, providing a vital logistical service to businesses and organisations across the country and yet is left perpetually struggling to stay afloat thanks to these apparently never-ending hikes in fuel duty.

'We are calling on the Government to support the UK fleet industry which has suffered in the past few years with repeated fuel tax hikes leaving many companies fighting for survival. The latest measures announced in the Emergency Budget, including the increase in VAT and the change to capital allowances, will only serve to weaken the industry further.'

The Fuelcard Company's new petition is being supported by the Road Haulage Association (RHA) which has consistently challenged fuel tax hikes in the UK. RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning commented: 'The RHA fully supports The Fuelcard Company in its bid to raise awareness of such a vitally important issue to our members.'

The tour begins on 8 July at Waterfront Services Truckstop in Felixstowe before continuing around the country. 

To sign up to the petition visit www.fuelcardroadshow.co.uk