In response to plans for a lorry road user charging scheme, the British International Freight Association (BIFA) has called for a fairer deal for UK hauliers.
BIFA director general Peter Quantrill, said: “On first view, this looks like a positive development. However, it is a very complicated issue and we need to look into the details.”
The Association said it agrees with the notion that all haulage companies using UK roads should contribute to the cost of the maintenance and development, regardless of where they are from.
“Haulage companies with trucks registered in the UK already do that of course through excise duty on fuel and road fund licences,” Quantrill added.
“However, some of our members that operate European trailer services sub-contract the transport to foreign haulage companies, and it is not immediately clear how this plan might affect them,” he said.
Quantrill said there is a conceivable possibility that some BIFA members could see increased operating costs should this plan come to fruition. The Association will therefore be seeking members’ input, while also consulting with government and other trade and legislative organisations, he said.
Further information about the potential lorry charge scheme can be views on the UK Department of Transport website, under Consultations: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-03/
Image credit: Online Truckers