Success for HGV Levy in Its First Year

In 2014, a HGV levy was introduced in the UK, which required all HGV and haulier drivers of vehicles over 12 tonnes to pay a fee in order to drive in the UK. The levy’s aim was to charge all drivers of such vehicles, not only those from the UK but also from overseas, to contribute to the upkeep of the UK’s roads.

Now, a year after the levy was introduced, the figures have been revealed regarding how much money it has raised. It is deemed to have been a success, having raised a total of £44 million since it first came into effect in April 2014, according to Transport Minister Robert Goodwill.

Levy Supported by the Haulage Industry

Rather than being against the levy, the haulage industry in the UK has actually supported it since it came into effect. One of the main reasons for this is that it is seen as fair that foreign drivers should also have to pay for the upkeep of the roads they are using.

Any UK haulier regularly has to pay fees and tolls when they use roads in other countries in Europe. Now, foreign drivers also have to pay to use the UK’s roads to contribute to keeping them in a good condition for all drivers.

HGVs are responsible for causing a greater amount of damage to the roads because of their weight. Now, no matter where the driver of the vehicle comes from, they have to pay to keep the UK’s roads in the best possible condition.

Levy Raises Money and Fines

As well as revealing that £44 million has been raised by the levy, some other figures were revealed at the same time. Over the course of the first year of the levy, over 1.8 million have been bought by drivers and firms. Of these levies, most of the ones that were purchased were in Band G, the highest band available. Levies in Band G cost either £10 for a day or £1,000 for a year. It was also revealed that the majority of the levies were purchased for under a week. UK HGV drivers also pay the levy along with the Vehicle Excise Duty.

As well as raising money from levies being bought, money has also been raised from fines. Drivers who do not pay the levy when they enter the UK must pay a fine of £300 at the roadside if they are caught. It seems that this has caught out many drivers, because over £750,000 has so far been collected in fines.

Polish Drivers Make Up Majority

The HGV levy has been paid for by hauliers and HGV drivers from over 90 countries across Europe. However, it is Polish drivers who make up the majority, with over a quarter of the total drivers coming from Poland. Romanian and Spanish drivers also made up a large percentage of the total.

HGV Levy a Success

The HGV levy is widely considered a success after its first year in operation. HGV and haulier drivers will continue to pay the levy, and the money raised will continue to go towards maintaining and improving the UK’s roads for the benefits of all road users.