The Northern Ireland Conservatives have welcomed a government initiative to charge foreign hauliers for using the UK’s roads. Junior transport minister, Mike Penning, put the proposals out to consultation earlier this week.
“This policy will level the playing field for UK lorry drivers, who pay charges in most European countries and it will provide a boost to the competiveness of home-grown haulage companies”, commented Bill McKendry. “The government’s plan is to charge all hauliers for using the roads, but UK drivers will be fully reimbursed through lower road tax or fuel duties.”
“The department of transport is responding to a demand from the road haulage industry and companies in Northern Ireland will certainly benefit. We have a number of very successful hauliers, but they’re currently operating at a disadvantage when other European countries levy charges and they also have to compete against firms in the Republic of Ireland.”
“This will provide a timely shot in the arm and the government’s policy is certainly to be welcomed.”