Insight and Know-How

• Legislation.

The government has unveiled plans to charge hauliers from other countries for using British roads.

Haulage firms from overseas could soon be charged for using roads in the UK, the government has stated. According to figures from the Department for Transport, trucks that are registered in other countries undertake about 1.5 million trips to Britain each year, but do not have to pay to use its roads. This is despite the fact charges are in place in most other members of the European Union, which means that if a British haulier is operating abroad, they are likely to be required to pay a fee.

The government has therefore unveiled plans to bring the system in Britain more in line with those in Europe, so there is greater parity between domestic hauliers and companies from overseas.

Mike Penning, the roads minister, said introducing a charge to use British roads will help to "level the playing field" for UK-based hauliers and potentially encourage growth."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," he commented.

British firms would not be required to pay anything extra, as the government is considering options such as cutting Vehicle Excise Duty on trucks registered in the UK to offset the charge. Therefore, companies that are using fleet management systems to monitor their finances will not lose out. The Road Haulage Association has commended the move, describing it as "good news" for transport operators that are based in Britain.

Kate Gibbs, head of communications at the group, noted that charging foreign hauliers to drive in the UK should also be popular with private motorists, as many have "complained" they "pay nothing for using our roads". "We are urging ministers to press forward with this project as a priority," she added.

A government consultation on the proposed changes will conclude on April 18th 2012.