Skip to main content

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.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Big wheels keep on turnin’
    August 21, 2018
    Many of the great and the good in the global mobility sector gathered at this year’s Movin’ On event in Montreal. Measured regulation of technologies and safety issues were major themes, reports David Arminas. *Bibendum is the original name for the Michelin Man, the symbol of the Michelin tyre company Autonomous vehicles, platooning, smart intersections and safety – these were the talking points over two-and-a-half days of the Movin’ On event in Montreal, Canada. Everyone in the mobility sector is at the
  • Dutch strike public/private balance to introduce C-ITS services
    November 15, 2017
    Connected-ITS applications are due to appear on a nation-wide scale this summer, through the Netherlands’ Talking Traffic Partnership – if all goes to plan. Jon Masters reports. The Netherlands’ Talking Traffic Partnership (TTP) looks almost too good to be true: an artificial market set up and supported by national, regional and local government to accelerate deployment of Connected ITS (C-ITS) applications. If it does have any serious flaws, these are going to become apparent quite soon, because the first
  • Videalert provides full time enforcement with part time workload
    March 19, 2014
    Videalert says its algorithms on automated enforcement can reduce the workload on staff while providing an effective deterrent to offenders. Colin Sowman reports. While members of the public may believe that the enforcement of parking regulations, bus lanes and box junctions has no practical benefit and is purely a money-making operation, for many authorities the opposite is true. Enforcement is a loss-making but vital exercise as illegally parked vehicles create obstructions and dangers leading to gridl
  • UK port installs Swarco traffic management
    May 18, 2016
    FM Conway, the main contractor for the traffic management improvement scheme at the Port of Dover, has awarded Swarco the contract to install 15 variable message signs as part of a US$123 million (£85 million) capital investment programme to better manage and control vehicles through a new freight holding facility to remove more than 4km of queuing traffic from Kent’s highways. Two signs are used to direct heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) into Customs or the holding facility, depending on the quantity of tra