HGV Levy for haulier and HGV firms has raised £44 million in its first year.
In 2014, the HGV levy was brought in for all HGV drivers, including hauliers from the UK and overseas. The aim of the levy was to raise money for the upkeep of the UK's roads. Heavy vehicles cause greater wear and tear on the roads, and it was therefore seen as fair for all drivers of vehicles operating in the UK to pay the levy.
Now it has been revealed that over the first year the levy has been in place, it has earned £44 million to go towards the upkeep of the UK's roads.
Haulage Industry Supports the Levy
The haulage industry in Britain has supported the levy since it came into force in 2014. It is well known that UK drivers in Europe have to pay for tolls and other charges when using the roads, and it seemed fair that a charge was brought in here as well for HGV firms and the independent haulier.
Heavy vehicles cause a greater amount of wear and tear to the roads, and the levy was brought into force to ensure that drivers of heavier vehicles contribute towards the upkeep of roads no matter where the vehicles come from. HGVs that are over 12 tonnes have to pay the levy.
Money Raised from Levy and Fines
Over the course of the first year, HGV operators from 90 countries have purchased over 1.8 million levies. Robert Goodwill, the Transport Minister, confirmed the amount of £44 million that has been raised.
The vast majority of the levies that have been bought were in Band G, which is the highest band. The levies in this band cost £10 per day, or £1,000 per year, depending on how often the vehicles come into the UK. In addition, more than 90 percent of the levies that have been purchased have been for under a week.
Drivers of vehicles that are UK registered also pay for the levy alongside the Vehicle Excise Duty. If a driver does not pay the levy before entering the UK, they must pay an automatic £300 fine at the roadside. So far this year since the levy came into force, over £750,000 has been collected in fines.
Most Popular Countries for Paying the Levy
HGV and haulier drivers who have paid the levy have come from countries all over the world. However, the largest percentage comes from Poland - just over a quarter of the total drivers purchasing the levy were from that country. Other countries that saw a large proportion of purchases include Romania and Spain.
A Successful First Year
Overall, the HGV levy has seen a successful first year. The money that has been raised from HGV drivers and hauliers over the year will now go back into maintaining the roads and ensuring they consistently meet the high standard expected.
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