As of April 1, 2014, a new road tax for heavy goods vehicles comes into force in the United Kingdom, which will cover all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tonnes.
Starting in April, hauliers will have to account for new burdens brought about by the so-called HGV LEVY, the new road tax in the United Kingdom. It was introduced based on EU regulations and will apply to all vehicles in four main categories: tractor units with a semi-trailer over 4,000 kg, two-axle tractor units, tractor units with three or more axles, and other heavy goods vehicles.
– The fee for each heavy goods vehicle will range from £1.70 to £10 per day depending on the vehicle type, number of axles, and weight, while annual fees will range from £85 to £1,000. The system will be based on time-based vignettes, and the road toll can be paid by the haulier or a booking agent. It is also possible to purchase them through international toll operators. It is worth noting that it will be the haulier’s responsibility to check that the fee for the vehicle is valid every time the vehicle enters the United Kingdom – says Filip Czerwiński, Director of International Transport Sales and Development at DSV Road.
Payments can be made online via the Northgate Public Services operator’s website using a debit or credit card, as well as some fuel cards. The creation of a small number of toll collection points at ferry terminals or petrol stations is also planned.
– Each time after payment, all vehicle data and the validity period of the purchased vignette will be recorded in the system database and checked electronically upon entry into the United Kingdom. It is worth remembering to check the validity status of our payment online if we are unsure, as failure to pay will result in a £300 fine – says Filip Czerwiński, Director of International Transport Sales and Development at DSV Road.
The United Kingdom is the latest country to decide to introduce road tolls recently. The French Ecotaxe is expected to come into force in the second half of 2014 after being postponed due to protests by transport companies. It will cover all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW and will apply to 15,000 km of public roads. It will operate independently of the existing TIS-PL system (motorways operated by private companies). The amount of the fees is to depend on the number of axles, gross vehicle weight, and emission class. The next countries in line that have announced the implementation of road taxes in 2014 are Russia and Belgium.