Henry Smith MP has today welcomed the new law to make foreign HGVs pay a levy to use our roads.  Last week the HGV Road User Levy Bill received Royal Assent and passed into law. 

With British HGVs paying to use European roads, this Bill delivers fairness for British hauliers, and rights a wrong that they have faced until now.

Henry commented:

“In and around Crawley we see a constant flurry of foreign lorries on our roads all the time, but they haven’t had to pay anything to use our roads. But when British lorries drive abroad, they face charges and tolls – that’s nonsense. This Government is righting that wrong – and from now on Great Britain will benefit from the foreign lorries and their annual 1.5 million trips on our road.”

“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.

“This measure comes as I’ve launched a petition aimed at ensuring that reciprocal arrangements the UK has with European Economic Area nations, and other countries, are properly used so the British health budget isn’t unfairly burdened.  Given that the Government’s currently reviewing welfare access for foreign nationals, I’m keen to build upon momentum following my Private Members Bill on this issue and encourage the necessary legislative changes to ensure that NHS health facilities properly audit the costs incurred from foreign nationals seeking treatment through the NHS.”

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