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Scottish hauliers could be subject to UK levy By Ashleigh

4th July 2013, Page 4
4th July 2013
Page 4
Page 4, 4th July 2013 — Scottish hauliers could be subject to UK levy By Ashleigh
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Wight SCOTTISH HAULIERS could be forced to pay the £10 a day HGV Road User Levy to use roads in the UK if the country becomes independent next year, a government report has said.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) report also suggests that the levy, which comes into effect from April 2014, would no longer be cost neutral for hauliers in an independent Scotland. It would be up to the Scottish government to reduce VED to compensate operators who regularly cross the border.

However, the Scottish Govern ment said that with the levy being introduced before the vote for devolu tion, it would have exactly the same powers as the UK government to offset costs for hauliers.

Meanwhile, Scottish hauliers have slammed the possibility of operating in an independent Scotland, saying the country benefits economically from being part of the UK.

David McCutcheon, MD of Bothwell-based Bullet Express, said an independent Scotland would be another nail in the coffin. "Scotland benefits from the bulk buying power of the UK," he said.

lain Mitchell, MD at John Mitchell Haulage and Warehousing in Grangemouth, said: "From what I've heard, the Road User Levy will be the least of our worries. Scotland will not be viable anymore. I will definitely not be voting for [independence]."

Cadzow Heavy Haulage MD Jim Macauley said the company would be likely to relocate its banking facilities to the UK if Scotland becomes independent, adding that independence would never work.

The vote for devolution is due to take place on 18 September 2014, shortly after the levy comes into effect.

Chris McRae, head of policy for Scotland at the Freight Transport Association, was unable to comment on the effect the charging scheme would have on Scottish hauliers because "it's a matter constitutionally for the people of Scotland to decide".


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