ITS (UK) tells DfT is no barrier to HGV charging

The UK's Intelligent Transport Society has told the Department for Transport (DfT) that there is no technical barrier to the distance-based charging of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in response to a consultation on reforming the HGV road user levy. A range of experts agreed that the technology already exists, with Germany's truck tolling scheme implemented in 2005. The options for technology range from automatic number plate recognition or toll tags to a solution based on board tolling unit as well as the us
January 29, 2018 Read time: 2 mins

The UK's 5023 Intelligent Transport Society has told the 1837 Department for Transport (DfT) that there is no technical barrier to the distance-based charging of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in response to a consultation on reforming the HGV road user levy. A range of experts agreed that the technology already exists, with Germany's truck tolling scheme implemented in 2005.

The options for technology range from automatic number plate recognition or toll tags to a solution based on board tolling unit as well as the use of a GPS-enabled dongle plugged into the vehicle's on-board diagnostic port.

These experts also addressed privacy concerns surrounding any use of location-based charging as an issue for private drivers, and that there still needs to be mechanisms in place to alleviate any fears.

In addition, the report to the DfT also features comments on the effects of charging on congestion, emissions and the economy. It is being submitted following the Department's call for evidence last November.

Jennie Martin, secretary general, said: “This is a very important issue for the future of mobility and I'm proud that ITS (UK) has again been able to help set out the options in an informed way – it's another example of the service we give to members, and by implication, to the wider travelling public.”

Charging, Tolling & RUC Urban Traffic Control

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Confusing funding and financing can be costly
    September 23, 2014
    Tolling may be the way forward for paying for the roads of the future - but where will concessionaires find the money and do they need funding or financing? Increasingly, governments around the world are concluding that they can no longer pay for new roads and are turning to the private sector for help.
    Read More
  • Workzone safety can be economically viable
    October 24, 2014
    David Crawford looks how workzone safety can be ‘economically viable’. Highway maintenance is one of the most dangerous construction industry occupations in Europe. Research from The Netherlands on fatal crashes indicates that the risk facing road workzone operatives is ‘significantly higher’ than that for the general construction workforce. A survey carried out by the Highways Agency, which runs the UK’s motorway and trunk road network, has suggested that 20% of road workers have suffered injuries from pa
    Read More
  • T&E welcomes rules to enable smarter road tolls in Europe
    February 2, 2015
    Sustainable transport group Transport & Environment has welcomed the announcement by Violeta Bulc, the EU’s head of transport, of plans to develop a Europe-wide scheme to charge lorries and cars for using roads. Bulc stressed that the scheme would be optional, meaning that countries could opt out if they want to. She also emphasised that the fee should be based exclusively on the distance driven and should not be time-dependent, which would bolster more efficient use of roads. European countries curre
    Read More
  • IAM welcomes consultation on strict penalties for mobile use at wheel
    January 27, 2016
    The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT) public consultation on stricter penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. The DfT is looking for feedback on proposals for increasing the fixed penalty notice level from £100 to £150 for all drivers. It also invites views on increasing the penalty points from three to four points for non-HGV drivers, and three to six points for those that hold a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) licence and commit t
    Read More

Highlighted Content