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Page 9
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Fresh news from Germany ha Brian Weatherley wondering anew why it's taken us so long to charge foreign hauliers.
Obviously, no one told the Germans: "If at first you don't succeed -then clearly its far too difficult." Unfortunately, the latest statement from the German outfit that has been trying to make automatic tolling work on the country's roads is depressingly upbeat. According to Toll Collect, following a "functional demonstration" involving 41 trucks from 25 transport companies covering the equivalent of more than three circumnavigations of the equator" (those Germans are so meticulous) apparently everything is hunky-dory.
Toll Collect says it has already reached the 99% accounting rate required for 2006. Moreover, the on-board units have been given the green light by an "independent expert" so it's all systems go for 1 January 2005. Put out more flags!
So where does that leave little old Blighty, slowly drowning under the weight of foreign trucks? Road pricing for trucks in Britain has already slipped back to 2008 only don't hold your breath waiting for us to hit that target. By my calculations, if we hit the magic 2008, it will have taken seven years since the subject of truck tolling in the UK was first raised. And it will be four more years before something is done to stern the tide of cheap Continental hauliers.
"Me? I'd have had a paper vignette system from the word 'Go'. They could buy their stickers at the port"
Me? I'd have had a paper vignette system from the word `Go'. After all, it's not as if foreign trucks suddenly materialise on our roads. They've all got to enter via a port or rail crossing a perfect time to make them buy their sticker.
And British hauliers could have bought them over the counter at filling stations. Wise men tell me such a system wouldn't have recouped its costs. Oh really? Is waiting seven years for an electronic system any better? Delaying the chance to tax foreign trucks has cost the British haulage industry dearly.
Don't let anyone tell you differently.