The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says the government should consider extending the suspension of the HGV road user levy, as rising inflation maintains pressure on hauliers.
It comes as the Department for Transport announced it was seeking input from the industry on reforming the current system to make it more reflective of vehicles’ environmental performance.
The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support hauliers during the pandemic. However, it is due to be reintroduced in August 2023.
The government says the levy ensures HGVs contribute towards the maintenance of roads, and encourages decarbonisation of the sector by charging fuel-efficient HGVs less.
However, The Grocer understands some haulage companies are shocked the government has chosen to begin consultation over reintroducing the levy, given the current pressures facing the industry.
“The timing of this announcement, given the cost of living crisis and rising fuel prices, is unfortunate,” said RHA MD of policy and public affairs Rod McKenzie.
“The government must keep the door open on a further delay in the reintroduction of the levy or consider phasing it over a longer period if the cost of living crisis continues.”
A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We temporarily suspended the HGV levy as part of an unprecedented package of 33 measures to tackle the HGV driver shortage and support the sector during the pandemic.
“Now, with our supply chain recovering and the sector reporting progress, it is right to consider how the levy can be reinstated most effectively from August 2023.”
It comes as the RHA continues to lobby government for a 15p per litre fuel duty rebate for essential users in order to support the haulage industry and reduce inflation.
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