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Lorry Road User Charges
Lorry Road User Charge or as it is also called Distance-Based Charging is an alternative method of taxing commercial vehicles.
In principle TNT Express Services UK & Ireland does not object to the concept of distance-based charging, provided there is a step change on the tax duty charged on diesel fuel.
In essence the duty levied on diesel is already effectively a lorry road user charge, because the further you drive the more diesel you use and hence the more tax you pay.
What must not be allowed to happen is that a Lorry Road User Charge is introduced without the duty being taken off diesel - the Government should not use this purely as a money making exercise.
As it stands, we in the UK are already disadvantaged by the fact that competitors on the continent enjoy lower diesel prices. We have estimated that a consignment coming from the Netherlands can cross the Channel and come up as far as Manchester before returning on the same tank of Dutch diesel which is markedly cheaper than diesel in the UK. This gives companies on the continent a distinct advantage when operating in the UK market.
Ideally, any new charging regime should be consistent throughout the European Union as this would provide a ‘level playing field’ for all operators and put an end to continental competitors benefiting from any unfair advantages.
It is also vital that if distance based charging is to be introduced that any accompanying technology works effectively from day one. In Germany, the introduction of the new motorway toll has been postponed, seemingly because of technical difficulties, and we must ensure such a situation is not allowed to arise in the UK.
Equally, any technological improvements should be used for a variety of means other than just making money for the Government. It should be harnessed to help with issues such as traffic controls and security of vehicles - if the technology is there we should look to maximise the benefits across a range of applications.
Further TNT Industry Issues:
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