Charging of foreign lorry drivers in UK moves a step closer

The charging of foreign hauliers in the UK has moved a step closer with the announcement that Northgate Public Services has been appointed to develop and operate the foreign operator payment system for the HGV Road User Levy.

The new time-based user charge for all HGVs using the UK road network will be introduced in April 2014.

The foreign operator payment system will enable foreign operators or drivers to purchase the Levy in advance of entering the UK through a number of sales channels including online, telephone and at point of sale terminals. The system will also create a database to enable authorities to identify hauliers who have not paid.

Transport Minister Stephen Hammond said: “Getting the foreign operator payment system right will be crucial to the success of the Levy. The system will be easy for foreign carriers and their drivers to access and straight forward to use. Its design also sends an important message to those foreign operators who think about avoiding paying. If you don’t pay, or underpay, you will be caught and face a £300 fine.”

Northgate Public Services has been appointed after a competitive tendering process, and will be responsible for the design, build, finance, operation and maintenance of a foreign operator payment system for the HGV Levy. The contract will initially run until 2019.

David Meaden, chief executive of Northgate Public Services, said: “The foreign operator payment system will provide a simple and effective means of ensuring that foreign hauliers who use the UK road network contribute to the cost of its upkeep. By re-purposing existing technology, the programme can be delivered in a shorter timescale and with lower costs and risk than would otherwise be possible.”