Rising concerns over the HGV levy, which comes in from 1st April, have led the British International Freight Association to produce additional guidance for freight forwarders.
The levy is being introduced by the new HGV Road User Levy Act 2013 and UK registered vehicles will pay the levy alongside their vehicle excise duty.
Vehicles registered outside of the UK will need to pay the levy before entering the UK and using the road network.
The main focus so far has been on domestic vehicles. But BIFA says forwarders are also anxious about the possible impact that this legislation will have on overseas truckers.
Consequently, it has prepared additional guidance for members. Director general Peter Quantrill said: “The guidance basically explains to those sub-contractors that on 1st April 2014, the UK will be introducing a new time-based user charge for heavy goods vehicles which ensures that for the first time foreign HGVs using the UK road network will 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 the UK’s domestic VED bands.
“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.”
