On 28 February 2013 the HGV Road User Levy Act became law. The Department for Transport says that this will pave the way for a fairer deal for UK hauliers.

Most EU states already charge HGVs for using their roads. In the UK foreign HGVs have been able to the roads without paying for the wear and tear they cause.  

A new charge will be introduced in April 2014. The levy will be a time-based charge of up to £1,000 a year, or £10 a day, and will apply to trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes.

Under EU law the scheme cannot discriminate between UK-registered vehicles and vehicles from elsewhere in the EU. Therefore the new charge will apply to all HGVs. UK hauliers will be compensated through a reduction in vehicle excise duty and most operators should not be worse off.  

"This new act will help the UK logistics industry remain competitive by making sure that operators from abroad are paying towards the cost of building and maintaining the UK's roads, as well as creating a level playing field for domestic operators," states Roads Minister Stephen Hammond.

UK hauliers will pay an annual or a six-monthly charge for each lorry at the same time and in the same transaction as they pay the VED. Foreign hauliers can pay daily, weekly, monthly or annual charges. Non-payment of the charge will be a criminal offence, which could result in a fine of up to £5,000.