Foreign hauliers comply with new levy

Thousands of foreign lorry drivers who operate in the UK have registered to pay the new HGV levy and are paying the charge.

More than 92,000 levies have been purchased for trucks registered in 56 different countries since the HGV levy came into force on 1 April 2014, while nearly 78,000 vehicles have been registered. Initial figures show that compliance is high with around 215 vehicles fined for non-compliance.

Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said: “Before the levy was introduced, foreign hauliers could fill up their tanks abroad, make their deliveries and then return home without making any UK tax contribution, which was unfair on UK hauliers.

“The levy is something UK hauliers wanted and we were determined to do all we could to help. We introduced it a year ahead of schedule and it is great news that compliance is so high.”

The HGV levy was introduced on 1 April and creates a fairer basis for charging HGVs in the UK. All HGVs at or above 12 tonnes maximum weight must pay the charge, irrespective of their nationality.