KEY POINTS:
Truck owners say they have been "overwhelmed" by the support of the public for their proposed protest action which is expected to bring Auckland to a standstill on Friday morning.
Road Transport Forum spokesman Steve Doughty said messages were pouring in from people throughout the country, as 1,000 trucks were expected to clog Auckland's city centre from 7.30am.
"People are offering incredible support from setting up BBQ's to joining the protest action in their own vehicles".
Mr Doughty said he had never seen such anger from the industry.
"We've never taken direct action before and have watched with interest the protests of transport operators in Europe. We believe now is the time to take direct action to force the Government to listen to the transport industry, as this cynical increase will inevitably impact on the cost of every consumer item used by New Zealanders."
Mr Doughty said while truck operators in the protest will be asked to act responsibly, some disruption to Aucklanders will be inevitable.
"That is regrettable but this is the only option we are left with to make our point to the Government which has not only refused to engage with us but has broken a promise in giving us absolutely no warning of the increases it had obviously been planning for some time."
