The UK will be introducing a new time-based user charge for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) which ensures that for the first time foreign HGVs using the UK road network will have to contribute to the cost of maintaining it. The charge is aligned with EU legislation regarding road charging often referred to as a Eurovignette, and is based upon vehicle weights and axle configuration. There are seven levy bands which align with UK’s domestic vehicle excise duty bands, according to information released by the British International Freight Association. UK-registered vehicles will pay the levy alongside their vehicle excise duty (VED). Vehicles registered outside the UK will need to pay the levy before entering the UK and using the road network. “An independent company has been awarded the contract to develop and manage payments made by foreign operators. The aim is to allow foreign truck operators or drivers to purchase the levy in advance of entering the UK via the Internet, telephone or terminals. The system will create a database to enable the identification of hauliers that have not paid,” according to Bifa director general Peter Quantrill.
