ARTICLE · 23 OCTOBER 2012

Lorry Road User Charging Update

Bircham Dyson Bell LLP

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After many years of discussions and abortive plans, the government is proposing to introduce a road user charging scheme for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), intended to come into force by 2015.

United KingdomTransport

After many years of discussions and abortive plans, the government is proposing to introduce a road user charging scheme for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), intended to come into force by 2015.

The Context

The UK road haulage sector has for some time been arguing that it faces unfair competition from European hauliers: not only are fuel prices cheaper in mainland Europe but foreign-registered HGVs do not pay to use the general road network in the UK, whereas UK-registered HGVs frequently pay charges or tolls in other European countries. Moreover, unlike UK-based hauliers who pay UK road tax and fuel duty, foreign hauliers who refuel their vehicles across the Channel contribute nothing towards the maintenance and improvement of the UK road network.

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