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25/01/2012
Hauliers Welcome Charges For Foreign Trucks
The UK's hauliers have welcomed an announcement by the roads minister, calling for a charge to be levied on foreign goods vehicles.
Announcing the plan, Roads Minister Mike Penning said most EU states charged lorries for using their roads, which meant British vehicles had to pay to drive in Europe, while foreign lorries can drive for free in the UK.
Mike Penning said: "We want to ensure that UK hauliers get a fairer deal and help maintain the competitiveness of our logistics industry.
"Each year there are around 1.5 million trips to the UK by foreign registered lorries – but none of them pays to use our roads, leaving UK businesses and taxpayers to foot the bill.
"The proposals I have set out today will ensure that all hauliers who use our roads are contributing to their cost, regardless of where they are from."
The proposed scheme will levy a time-based charge of around up to £10 a day for lorries of 12 tonnes or over using any road in the UK. The precise level of charges will depend on exchange rate and inflation at the time of implementation – likely to be 2015, subject to the legislative programme.
The Road Haulage Association welcomed the government’s proposals calling the scheme "good news for UK transport operators".
“The RHA has been working with government officials to get the best scheme possible under EU rules and we believe this is what the new proposals represent. We are urging ministers to press forward with this project as a priority, both in terms of Parliamentary time and commercial dealings, so that the original deadline of spring 2014 start-up can be met.”
(DW)
Announcing the plan, Roads Minister Mike Penning said most EU states charged lorries for using their roads, which meant British vehicles had to pay to drive in Europe, while foreign lorries can drive for free in the UK.
Mike Penning said: "We want to ensure that UK hauliers get a fairer deal and help maintain the competitiveness of our logistics industry.
"Each year there are around 1.5 million trips to the UK by foreign registered lorries – but none of them pays to use our roads, leaving UK businesses and taxpayers to foot the bill.
"The proposals I have set out today will ensure that all hauliers who use our roads are contributing to their cost, regardless of where they are from."
The proposed scheme will levy a time-based charge of around up to £10 a day for lorries of 12 tonnes or over using any road in the UK. The precise level of charges will depend on exchange rate and inflation at the time of implementation – likely to be 2015, subject to the legislative programme.
The Road Haulage Association welcomed the government’s proposals calling the scheme "good news for UK transport operators".
“The RHA has been working with government officials to get the best scheme possible under EU rules and we believe this is what the new proposals represent. We are urging ministers to press forward with this project as a priority, both in terms of Parliamentary time and commercial dealings, so that the original deadline of spring 2014 start-up can be met.”
(DW)
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Foreign hauliers will be charged to use UK roads for the first time from tomorrow, 1st April, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced. UK truck drivers working in Europe currently pay tolls and levies when delivering goods abroad. But foreign trucks operating in the UK have not been required to make a similar payment.
Foreign Hauliers To Be Charged To Use UK Roads
Foreign hauliers will be charged to use UK roads for the first time from tomorrow, 1st April, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has announced. UK truck drivers working in Europe currently pay tolls and levies when delivering goods abroad. But foreign trucks operating in the UK have not been required to make a similar payment.
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Congested roads across England are to be tackled with £165 million of funding, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today. The announcement is the second tranche of funding from the £190 million Local Pinch Point Fund, first announced in December 2012.
£165m Funding Announced For Congested Roads Across England
Congested roads across England are to be tackled with £165 million of funding, Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced today. The announcement is the second tranche of funding from the £190 million Local Pinch Point Fund, first announced in December 2012.
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32,600 Compensation Claims Received Over Potholes
Britain's roads are peppered with almost 200,000 potholes, or one for every mile of road in Great Britain, according to official council data obtained via a freedom of information request by Britannia Rescue. The combination of a harsh winter followed by a dry summer has particularly harmed road surfaces and exacerbated the problem.
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Arctic Blast Heads For The UK
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Arctic Blast Heads For The UK
Forecasters at the Met Office are predicting bitterly cold northerly winds this week, with the risk of widespread icy conditions and heavy snow bringing the potential for travel disruption. A band of rain, sleet and snow will push south across the country tomorrow (Thursday) followed by a marked drop in temperatures.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
