Susie Jones
News & Updates • 2 min read

Where does the HGV levy go?

Created: 22/08/2024

Updated: 22/08/2024

On the 1st of August 2023, the Government reintroduced the HGV levy after a three-year suspension. Since its introduction in 2014, the levy has been a regular but unwelcome occurrence for those in the haulage industry - leaving many drivers and fleets wondering what the benefits are.

What is the HGV levy?

The Government website states that the HGV levy:

"Ensures all HGVs from 12 tonnes and over make a contribution when they use UK roads."

What is it used for?

The levy addresses the, environmental impact and infrastructure costs heavy goods vehicles have on the UK. Its purpose and the benefits it proposes are the following:

• Fairness - The levy ensures trucks placing a significant strain on the road infrastructure contribute their share towards maintenance and development costs.

• Emissions - Due to the environmental impact of HGVs, the levy encourages cleaner and more efficient vehicles.

• Road maintenance - Funding from the HGV levy maintains and improves the road infrastructure - ensuring those who benefit from the road network contribute directly to its maintenance.

Why was the HGV levy suspended?

During the pandemic in 2020, to assist in reducing financial liabilities for the UK and foreign hauliers, the Government suspended the HGV levy - a one-year suspension was planned but extended to three years.

The new HGV levy was reintroduced and is aimed primarily at emissions, weight, and time spent in the UK. Hauliers can expect to pay between £150 to £749 depending on vehicle weight (including trailer weight), its Euro emissions class, and the time it spends in the UK.

Where do drivers want to see the levy spent?

A report shared by the RHA stated that its members wanted to see bridge strike signs paid for out of the levy. However, a survey conducted via Facebook identified that 75% of drivers wanted to see the HGV levy money spent on better roadside facilities.

Truck driver Luke wanted to see "the HGV levy invested in secure, sanitary, and affordable parking before anything else."

With truck stops being a haven for drivers, it's vital they provide drivers with excellent facilities and secure parking. For many drivers, they are more than a place to rest and refuel - they are a place that plays a crucial role in improving well-being.

Drivers Ian and Peter want to see the money spent expanding the network across the UK.

"We need more locations for us to park safely," states Ian. Peter explains that the industry is in dire need of "better facilities at stops as well as new truck stops."

Although the HGV levy reintroduction has been met with negative sentiment by those in the haulage industry, it is something that firms must accept is here to stay. Its role ensures revenue for road maintenance and is vital in encouraging a clean and more efficient industry.

Who must pay the HGV road user levy?

Operators and drivers are responsible for paying the levy. Non-UK vehicles must pay before entering the country. UK-registered trucks will have the rates calculated automatically by the DVLA and paid in the same transaction as vehicle exercise duty.

Is the Government still funding HGV training?

To help alleviate the strain Brexit and the pandemic had on the haulage industry, in 2021, the Government introduced plans to get more drivers on the road. The funding provided training for 4,000 drivers to gain their HGV licence. HGV Skills Bootcamps opened to fund other adult learners as well.

The Department for Education confirmed that funding would run until the end of the 2023 academic year.

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Friday 08 November 2024 • News & Updates

DART CHARGE ACCOUNT – SIMPLIFY YOUR PAYMENTS

Miranda Blake

Understanding the intricacies of the Dart Charge system is essential to ensure a seamless and cost-effective experience when using the Dartford Crossing. Familiarising yourself with the payment options, account management, and potential pitfalls can save you from unnecessary fines and headaches. The Dartford Crossing, a vital aspect for commercial traffic, is managed by a sophisticated electronic payment system known as the Dart Charge. This innovative system was introduced to enhance the efficiency of toll collection, eliminating the need for traditional toll booths and enabling drivers to pre-pay or pay online by the end of the day.Wondering what exactly the Dart Charge is? It refers to the payment method used for the Dartford Crossing. The system was implemented to improve traffic flow and provide a more convenient payment experience for users.Drivers have three primary options when it comes to paying the Dart Charge:1. Customers can set up a pre-pay account, which offers automated billing and a discounted crossing rate. Such a hassle-free approach ensures that payments are made seamlessly, with the account being automatically debited for each crossing. For those who don't have a pre-pay account, the option to pay online, by phone, or at Payzone retail outlets is available. Payments can be made in advance or by midnight the following day. The Dartford Crossing is free to use between the hours of 10:00 pm and 6:00 am, providing a cost-effective option for nighttime journeys.Curious as to what the Dart Charge rates are? These vary depending on the vehicle class and whether the customer has a pre-pay account or is making a one-off payment. Here’s a breakdown of the current charges:You can also .Maintaining your Dart Charge account is crucial for avoiding fines and streamlining your crossings. Let’s explore the key aspects of account management.Establishing a Dart Charge account is a straightforward process. Customers can visit the , click "Start now," and select the "Sign in or set up a Dart Charge account" option. Alternatively, they can open a pre-pay account by downloading and submitting an application form.Accessing your Dart Charge account requires the email address registered on the account. If you've forgotten your password, the link on the sign-in page will guide you through the process of creating a new one.Changing your name, address, or the vehicle registration numbers associated with your account can be done by logging into your Dart Charge account, navigating to the "Account management" and "Profile" or "Vehicle management" sections, and making the necessary updates.Customers can review their crossing history and account statements by logging into their Dart Charge account. This feature allows you to track your usage and ensure that all payments have been properly recorded.If your Dart Charge account becomes inactive due to a lack of vehicle registration, valid payment method, or recent crossings, you can reactivate it by addressing the underlying issue. Similarly, a suspended account can be unsuspended by topping up the balance or making payments for any outstanding crossings.When it’s time to close your Dart Charge account, you can do so by logging in, navigating to the "Account management" section, and selecting the "Close account" option. Any remaining balance will be refunded using the same payment method.SNAP Account offers a convenient solution, providing several benefits for drivers and .The system automatically handles the payment for each crossing, eliminating the need to remember to pay or deal with Dart Charge directly.You’ll never receive a charge for late payment. 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Friday 01 November 2024 • News & Updates

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Miranda Blake

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Friday 25 October 2024 • News & Updates

DRIVERS' WORKING TIME DIRECTIVE: A GUIDE FOR TRUCK DRIVERS

Miranda Blake

As a lorry driver in the UK, it’s crucial to have a firm grasp of the complex regulations surrounding driver working hours and rest periods. The Drivers’ Working Time Directive (WTD), also known as the Road Transport Directive, is a set of rules that governs the maximum hours a driver can work, the mandatory breaks they must take, and the required rest periods they must observe. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and even the immobilisation of your vehicle.The Drivers’ Working Time Directive is a European Union legislation that aims to ensure the safety of all road users by preventing fatigue-related accidents. apply to those driving vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes, regardless of whether the individual operates within the UK or across the EU.Under the WTD, truck drivers in the UK are subject to a daily driving cap of 9 hours, which can be increased to 10 hours a maximum of twice per week. After 4.5 hours of continuous or intermittent driving, drivers must take a break of at least 45 minutes. Alternatively, they can opt for a split break, where the first is at least 15 minutes, followed by a second of at least 30 minutes.There’s a weekly driving limit for UK lorry drivers, which is 56 hours, while the fortnightly cap is 90 hours. This means that if a driver clocks 56 hours in 1 week, they can only work for 34 hours the following week to ensure they do not go over the 90-hour fortnightly limit.In addition to the driving time restrictions, the WTD also imposes limits on the total number of hours a driver can work per week. Average weekly working time, including both driving and non-driving tasks, must not surpass 48 hours, calculated over a 17-week or 26-week reference period. Maximum working time in a single week is 60 hours, provided the 48-hour average is not exceeded.The WTD requires to take a daily rest period of at least 11 consecutive hours, which can be split into 2 periods with the first being at least 3 hours long. Drivers can also opt for a reduced daily rest period of nine hours, but this can only be done up to three times per week. Additionally, a weekly rest period of at least 45 hours is mandatory, although this can be lowered to 24 hours once in a 2-week period.While the WTD applies to the majority of UK lorry drivers, there are certain exceptions that may apply in specific circumstances. For example, those who do not drive more than 10 times within a 26-week period or 15 times within a timeframe exceeding 26 weeks may not be required to monitor their working time directive.Failing to adhere to the WTD can have serious consequences for both drivers and . Drivers caught in breach of the regulations can face fines of up to £1,500, and if they break the rules more than 5 times in 28 days, they may be taken to court and have their vehicle immobilised.For fleet operators, the onus is on maintaining compliance throughout the entire fleet. Neglecting to implement sufficient measures to monitor and enforce the WTD can result in the DVSA issuing a notice to improve, and in extreme cases, a requirement to cease operations until the issues are resolved.To effectively manage driver working hours and ensure compliance with the WTD, fleet operators should consider investing in tachograph-integrated fleet management solutions. These purpose-built technologies allow for efficient monitoring of driver behaviour and automatic logging of driving and working time data, making it virtually impossible for non-compliance to go unnoticed.By partnering with a trusted provider like , fleet operators can leverage cutting-edge fleet management tools and gain access to a comprehensive network of service partners, making sure that their drivers have the support they need to stay compliant and safe on the road.There’s also the in the UK to consider. It’s proving to be a big problem within the industry. The industry has seen a drop in HGV drivers – the pandemic delayed 30,000 tests for new drivers, and Brexit hit fleet companies hard – with many European truck drivers leaving the UK. A 2023 report from SNAP suggests the sector could reach a 'tipping point' in the next 10-15 years. It may prove that the Drivers’ Working Time Directive is just what the industry needs to make the profession desirable again and provide better balance for drivers. Learn more about what can be done to tackle the driver shortage by .