Less Pollution, Less Pay – Cleaner lorries will pay to use UK roads

There have been many reported methods that has helped reduce the amount of pollution in the air, but it still doesn’t seem to be enough. From February 2019, the hauliers that meet the most recent Euro VI emissions standards (i.e. less polluting) will benefit from a 10% cost reduction of the Heavy Goods Vehicle levy (HGV).

HGV Levy was created in 2014 as the first step made to make lorry drivers pay a charge to cover the damage they cause to the road surfaces they drive on (tears and wears etc.). This new method allows a chance for the quality of air to be improved, because every little helps, right? Furthermore, if we don’t act fast, we will continue to affect things like the economy, environment and public health.

HGV

What does this mean?

This means, from February next year, there will be a 10% in cost reduction for lorries that are eligible and less polluting then others. Therefore, those that use dirtier vehicles will have to pay 20% more cost because of their actions. Apparently, it has been proved that cleaner lorries emit 80% less nitrogen oxide than dirtier ones, so the results can be incredible if a lot of businesses get involved.

Ministers hope the changing rates of the levy will encourage the rest of the industry to replace their polluting lorries with less. They are hoping that when change comes into effect, the UK will be paying half less and emissions will begin to reduce.

Jesse Norman, the Roads Minister has said; “This government is committed to improving the air we breathe and delivering a green evolution to transport. Heavy good vehicle account for around a fifth of harmful nitrogen oxide emissions from road transport, but they only travel 5% of the total miles. That’s why we’re changing the HGV levy to encourage firms to phase out the most polluting lorries and bring in the cleanest ones.”

Also, our Environment Minister, Thérèse Coffey, has reported; “Air pollution has improved significantly since 2010, but we recognized there is more to do which is why we have put in place a £3.5 billion plan to improve air quality and reduce harmful emissions.”

Changes to the levy

Current rate: £900

Euro VI rate (February 2019): £1000

Euro O-V rate (February 2019): £1,200