Logistics firms welcome road charging plan for foreign drivers

HAULIERS have welcomed the intention by the Government to go ahead with plans to introduce a road charging system for foreign truckers.

The Road Haulage Association said it was pleased that Ministers were finally looking to level the playing field for British truckers.

Many big logistics operators in the West Midlands, often considered the heart of the industry due to its unique location, have long complained that the current system is unfair and effectively means British firms cannot compete with their European counterparts who effectively use British roads for free.

RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning said: “This is a happy day for road hauliers. We have been campaigning for years to see a system introduced which will lessen the financial advantage currently enjoyed by our European neighbours. UK hauliers travelling to mainland Europe have to pay road charges but foreign registered vehicles travelling to the UK pay nothing.

“We were encouraged when this proposal was first announced at the beginning of the year.  At that time it was suggested that a charging system would be in place and working by 2014.  To hear that the Government intends to have a system in place no later than the end of the current Parliament is a real added bonus.

“We expect a charge of about £1,000 per year. This is not enough to give us a level playing field as regards the rest of Europe.  But it is a good start and will help no end in beginning to prepare the ground.”

He said the body was pleased that new Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin had seen fit to bring forward the legislation so early into his tenure.

“He is obviously very aware as to the important role played by UK hauliers in rebuilding the economy, increasing UK competitiveness and boosting growth,” added Mr Dunning.

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