The DVLA view of fixed-gear trucks
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Iwould appreciate it if you would print the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency's response to Jonathan Lawton's letter 'Twas ever thus" (CM 16-22 July).
It suggests that further discussion is necessary on the Vehicle Excise Duty position of vehicles carrying fixed equipment, due to the determination of Dr Ford (the agency's chief executive) not to be swayed by a Divisional Court decision.
The tax treatment of such vehicles was settled by the High Court, which ruled that a vehicle carrying fixed equipment is a goods vehicle and that VED is chargeable in accordance with the vehicle's revenue weight and number of axles.
The purpose of the DVLA's news release was not, as Lawton seems to think, to gloat, but was.to report the High Court ruling and make operators aware of the consequences of failure to pay VED at the correct rate.
The agency also took the
opportunity to explain that where a vehicle has been modified to the extent that its confirmed weight is no longer relevant, the operator should apply to the Vehicle Inspectorate under the "design weight certificate" scheme to have the vehicle's new weight determined.
The ruling confirmed the MIA's interpretation of VED classification rules and we will continue to apply and enforce them accordingly. TJ Horton,
Executive director, external & corporate services, DVLA, Swansea.