Ashford International waits on LRUC impact
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By Chris Tindall
ONE OF Kent's largest truck parks is waiting to see what impact the Lorry Road User Charge (LRUC) has had on business before pursuing expansion plans.
Ashford International Truckstop said it was full on six out of seven nights after signing a deal with a large haulage firm this year, which it said made up for trade lost to Stop 24 just one junction away on the M20. General manager Darren Smith
said it was now having to turn away LGVs, but the LRUC could hit business: "It could change the way hauliers drive and park."
He added: "They could start coming over, dropping stuff off in the port and have drivers picking it up. It could take trade away from the Kent area. That's something to see next year. We would certainly be interested in making it bigger in a few years time, if needs be. We will see what the levy does." Peter Cullum, manager for international affairs at the Road
Haulage Association, said the LRUC might prompt British hauliers to deliver freight into Calais and have it picked up there.
He added: "But in time they will be caught by the Ecotax. The vignette will be cheaper. Remember, it's not that much.
"In nine hours you can drive the best part of 400 or 500 miles. It may well happen at the margin."
• The charging mechanism is due to start in April next year. Log on to commerciahnotor.com/ roaduserlevy for more.