Hemel Hempstead MP, Mike Penning, has welcomed the introduction of the HGV Road User Levy Bill in Parliament yesterday, which will bring in a new charge for foreign lorries using British roads.

The legislation being introduced fulfils a commitment in the Coalition Agreement and is designed to remove an inequality, whereby UK hauliers pay to use many roads abroad, but foreign-hauliers do not pay to use roads in the UK. The levy will be a maximum of £1,000 per year or £10 per day for the largest vehicles.

All HGVs will pay the levy, but UK-registered vehicles paying the charge will receive a discount in their road tax, which will make the change cost neutral for them.

In his role as Transport Minister, Mike Penning was instrumental in working with the haulage industry to draft the Bill – a contribution acknowledged by the current Minister, Stephen Hammond, in yesterday’s debate in Parliament.

Following the debate, Mike said:
“This is an important issue for the haulage industry and I am pleased the Bill has been put before Parliament. This new levy is about making things fair for UK haulage businesses, which often have to pay tolls to use roads in Europe, whilst foreign lorries drive here for free. It’s all about creating a level playing field and will give a real boost to the UK haulage industry. It demonstrates that the Government is working for British business.”