Trucks 'should pay toll' to enter Britain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Foreign lorry owners should be levied a toll as they enter Britain to pay for the damage they cause to roads and the environment, says an all-party group of MPs. The Select Committee on Transport wants the Government to introduce the payment at all ports.
Foreign lorry owners should be levied a toll as they enter Britain to pay for the damage they cause to roads and the environment, says an all-party group of MPs. The Select Committee on Transport wants the Government to introduce the payment at all ports.
Under the proposal, the drivers would have to buy and display a permit. British hauliers would also have to pay the levy, but would have the amount deducted from their Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
The committee also called for a "bounty" to be paid to British firms for scrapping older, "polluting" vehicles. MPs want owners to face tougher financial tests before being granted operating licences to keep out "cowboys" who undercut rivals and habitually flout laws on safety and the environment. They also want to scrap incentive schemes that reward staff for the number of deliveries they make or the miles they cover because they encourage drivers to travel too far and undermine safety.
Conservatives on the committee opposed the section of the report that refused to recommend a cut in VED and fuel tax. James Gray, member for Wiltshire North, said a litre of diesel costs 47p in Belgium and 84p in Britain. The average VED in Belgium was £835 compared with £2,500 in the UK.
He said the transport industry was facing a "catastrophe" because of the high level of taxation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments