Foreign lorries to pay to use UK roads

The RHA, Road Haulage Association, announced this week that they are pleased with the Government plans of  introducing a charging system, under the terms of which foreign operators will now pay to use UK roads. “This is a happy day for road hauliers”, said RHA Chief Executive Geoff Dunning. “We have been campaigning for years to see a system introduced which will lessen the financial advantage currently enjoyed by our European neighbours. UK hauliers travelling to mainland Europe have to pay road charges but foreign registered vehicles travelling to the UK pay nothing. We expect a charge of about £1000 per year", continued Geoff Dunning “This is not enough to give us a level playing field as regards the rest of Europe.  But it is a good start and will help no end in beginning to prepare the ground." Although the new charges will also apply to British lorries, they are to receive a reduction in excise duty to ensure that they will not pay more than they do at present. The initiative came about after a consultation on plans earlier in the year, as the Government is seeking ways of kick-starting the ailing economy, with Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin saying: "These proposals will deliver a vital shot in the arm to the UK haulage industry." Ministers have not yet given an exact date as to when this proposal would start, but say it will be implemented before the end of  the current parliament in 2015. What do you think about this decision? Is it about time and only fair that foreign lorries should have to pay to use our roads?

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