Oxfordblues
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- 22 Dec 2013
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The Government spin machine has released a suggestion of road-pricing for the UK road haulage industry: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42464125
At present, once the annual charge per lorry is paid, the roads are free at the point of use (with a few exceptions such as the M6-Toll) apart from an element of fuel duty.
Could this potentially help rail freight by "levelling the playing field"? If hauliers are finally forced to pay directly for using the roads, could rail's competitiveness improve to the point where less-than-trainload volumes would become economic? Might we see the return of a national network for smaller flows which railfreight companies can't currently see as profitable?
The government is considering a "pay-per-mile" scheme for lorries to cover the cost of damage to roads.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling confirmed the current HGV levy, used to pay for wear and tear on the road network, was being consulted on.
Critics say the current scheme means international drivers using the roads do not have to pay towards upkeep.
But the Road Haulage Association (RHA) said it was unfair to target lorries and it needs to see more detail.
Mr Grayling denied any plans for a road toll system for other vehicles for the "foreseeable future"...
At present, once the annual charge per lorry is paid, the roads are free at the point of use (with a few exceptions such as the M6-Toll) apart from an element of fuel duty.
Could this potentially help rail freight by "levelling the playing field"? If hauliers are finally forced to pay directly for using the roads, could rail's competitiveness improve to the point where less-than-trainload volumes would become economic? Might we see the return of a national network for smaller flows which railfreight companies can't currently see as profitable?
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