The government has announced they are consulting on a new “pay per mile” scheme for lorries to cover the cost of damage to roads. Unlike the existing scheme, the new tax would see lorries coming in from abroad paying in the same way as UK hauliers. The news will please many UK transport and logistics businesses who will see the move as a step closer to creating a level playing field.
At the same time, the government has launched a separate consultation to identify which A roads require money to improve them. The consultation will last for 12 weeks and it is hoped that work on improvements will start within 3 years. Priority will be given to widening dual carriageways, improving junctions and increasing road safety measures.
It is hoped that the money spent on road improvements will ease congestion in town centres and reduce levels of pollution – welcome news for all lorry drivers.
