Truckers convoy to Albany to protest fuel prices

Gov. David Paterson told the protesters he'd support a summer gasoline tax "holiday" if fuel companies promise to pass the savings on to consumers and he urged the truckers to take their protest to the headquarters of big oil companies.

The Associated Press

6/19/2008

ALBANY, N.Y. — More than 100 truck drivers are taking part in a noisy downtown Albany rally to demonstrate against skyrocketing fuel prices that are staggering their industry.

About 110 tractor-trailer cabs, dump trucks and flatbeds jammed streets around the state Capitol building before a rally in an adjacent park.

Truckers were blaring their horns before parking near another park blocks away from the rally site.

Gov. David Paterson told the crowd he'd support a summer gasoline tax "holiday" if fuel companies promise to pass the savings on to consumers and he urged the truckers to take their protest to the headquarters of big oil companies.

The drivers gathered at truck stops in Washington and Montgomery counties before convoying to Albany Thursday morning.