A Manchester haulage boss has backed plans to introduce a new levy for foreign HGV drivers on British roads.
The new charge for foreign hauliers is now one step closer to being implemented following granting of the operation contract to Northgate Public Services.
The foreign operator payment system will allow foreign drivers or operators to pay an HGV Road User Levy, which they can do online, by telephone or at point of sale terminals.
And Michael McIntyre, managing director of Trafford-based Contact Industrial Recruitment Ltd, said: “Personally I think it’s a good thing for British hauliers.
“Foreign hauliers from places such as Spain have been pushing people in this country out of business and out of work.”
A database will be created and maintained by Northgate Public Services to identify hauliers who have not paid.
The levy is due to come into effect in April 2014.
Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said: “Getting the foreign operator payment system right will be crucial to the success of the Levy. The system will be easy for foreign carriers and their drivers to access and straight forward to use.”
He added that the charge will also send an important message to those foreign operators who think about avoiding paying.
“If you don’t pay, or underpay, you will be caught and face a £300 fine,” Mr Hammond added.
By law, the scheme cannot discriminate between vehicles from elsewhere in the EU and UK-registered vehicles so all HGVs will be subject to the levy.
A reduction will be applied to the current vehicle excise duty (VED) to ensure that UK operators do not experience a rise in the amount they have to pay.
VED will also continue to be paid through existing agency channels so no additional administration costs will be incurred.
Picture courtesy of chriszwolle, with thanks.
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