£24: that's the new licence fee
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THE DoE is proposing to treble the hgv driving test appointment fee from £8 to £24 from August 1.
This week the proposals were sent to interested parties for comment. The immediate reaction of the trade associations was one of total opposition. An ETA spokesman said: "We will oppose the suggestion with as much vigour as we opposed all recent proposals to Government increases as they affect road transport. We are appalled at the suggestion."
The RHA said that it had not seen the document from the DoE when CM contacted the Association. Said a spokesman: "This is the first we have heard of it and we are alarmed at the increase; we will be protesting most strongly. It appears to mean that those taking the test in stages through the Young Drivers' Scheme will need to pay the £24 three times, and this is normally met by the employer."
The DoE said the reason for the proposed increase was a deficit in the fee budget. A spokesman said: "The economic cost in 1974 would have been £15 when the actual cost was £8. The economic fee today is £23.06."
He said a £24 fee would meet the actual costs and help to wipeout the huge deficit which had occurred due to unforeseen increases last year.