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Forget LRUC rely on fuel duty
Page 28
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I'VE REACHED the point where I feel compelled to air my views on the failed Lorry Road User Charging project. Having read many articles in the trade press and followed this topic closely over the years. I have to admit to being relieved at the failure of the government's unworkable and outrageously complicated and expensive LRUC proposals.
I am, however, completely in favour of charging all commercial vehicles by distance travelled, including all foreign vehicles. So we have to ask ourselves what the best approach is to charging a vehicle by distance travelled without incorporating expensive electronics— while at the same time encouraging and rewarding environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient vehicles.
The answer, and it's one we already have in place, is fuel duty. Fuel is taxed before the point of delivery, the tax requires no complicated electronic infrastructure, and is enforceable with a minimum of resources. Operators with fuel-efficient vehicles are rewarded by having to pay less duty per mile travelled, while at the same time those who travel more miles pay more.
All foreign drivers entering this country should be advised to ensure that they are carrying only a nominal amount of fuel; those not complying could have diesel confiscated and perhaps given back when they leave the country.This would guarantee that they fuel up in this country thereby paying collectable duty (unfortunately I'm old enough to remember when this was enforced at the ports).
Sadly I fear that this will prove to be far too simplistic a solution for our transport officials, and I'm sure we can look forward to another corn plicated, inefficient, biased and expensive 'IT' solution to a simple problem.
Kevin Buck Leigh-on-Sea, Essex