Greens propose £300 truck tax
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• UK hauliers could be hit by a crippling European tax of £300 on every truck they run if the European Commission implements recommendations from transport experts in member states.
The tax, which could cost hauliers over Min a year across the European Community, is being considered by the European Commission along with other suggestions to avert a transport "crisis".
The recommendations are contained in Transport in a Fast Changing Europe — a hard hitting document drawn up by Transport 2000 Plus and presented by former Dutch transport minister, Nelly SmitKroes.
"Users must pay the full cost of transport in terms of energy consumption and the impact on the environment," she says. "we are heading for a crisis which can only be avoided by immediate action."
But the Freight Transport Association has hit back saying: "Any increase in UK taxation would be unwelcome because lorries more than pay their way and are among the highest taxed vehicles in the Community."
Transport 2000 Plus says: "Public and freight transport has been too cheap for too long," and points to an increase in freight traffic of 50% between 1970 and 1988. "Everything must be done to ensure that the true price is always paid and charged for transport everywhere," it says.
The pressure group is also calling for more measures to curb urban congestion.