9 April 2012
Heavy goods charging proposals don't go far enough
Transform Scotland have today responded to the DfT's consultation 'Charging heavy goods vehicles' with the message that the proposals don't go far enough. Colin Howden, Director of Transform Scotland, said:
"The UK Government's proposals are not acceptable in their current form.
"The Government is years behind the rest of Europe in trying to implement a time-based system. All across the Continent, countries are implementing much more sophisticated distance-based systems. These systems are more able to address environmental and other issues.
"While we agree with the need to ensure that foreign hauliers contribute to the maintenance of the UK road network, we also strongly believe that the opportunity should be taken to address other factors. The proposed charge does not accurately reflect damage to roads, air pollution and other environmental factors."