The HGV Levy is suspended until the 31st July 2023, but what should you expect when it’s reintroduced? Here’s what you need to know about the HGV Road User Levy, how much is costs, and whether it applies to you.
The DVLA collects payments for the HGV Levy under normal conditions. Usually the charge applies to all lorries over 12 tonnes that are driving on UK roads, whether they’re local or international. It can go up to £1,000 a year, and the exact bill is based on the specification of the HGV in question.
Hauliers haven’t had to worry about the levy since 1st August 2020 when it was first suspended. That’s all set to change though, with the charge coming back into effect later this year.
What Does HGV Levy Mean?
The HGV Levy is normally charged on all vehicles weighing 12,000kg or more. It’s a way of contributing to wear and tear on UK roads from heavy goods vehicles.
It was introduced by the UK government in 2014 to cover the costs of keeping roads maintained. Five years later it was updated to help improve air quality, with the juggling act of keeping supplies moving and lowering pollution from vehicles.
But in 2020 pressure was building on the industry, so the levy was temporarily suspended to help out hauliers.
Does the HGV Levy Apply to Me?
The HGV Levy applies to vehicles from international HGV operators coming into the UK, and domestic hauliers as well. It’s worth finding out anything you’re unsure of regarding the levy. Ask sooner rather than later to avoid ending up with a fine. Plenty of drivers have joined the industry in the past three years, so don’t hesitate to check since the levy will be new to many people.
How Much is the HGV Levy?
The HGV Road User Levy is charged at up to £10 per day and it’s capped at £1,000 per year. But the exact amount is calculated based on the weight, axle configuration and levy duration of the lorry.
Foreign hauliers have to pay the levy before they reach the UK. It can be paid by the HGV driver, or their operator or booking agent. And they can pay by the day, week, month or year. But UK hauliers have the option of paying every six months or annually when they pay the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
When Does the HGV Levy Suspension End?
The HGV Levy suspension ends on 31st July 2023, meaning it will be back in force on 1st August 2023.
It’s suspended until later in the year, so HGV drivers and their companies don’t need to worry about payments now. But it’s worth planning ahead for the HGV Road User Levy coming back into force after July 2023. And it’s a criminal offence not to pay it, so you could end up with a fine. That means you’ve got a bit of time to prepare, but it’ll roll around in no time.
In August 2021 the HGV levy was extended through July 2022, and last year it was extended once more. But at the time of writing, it’s set to resume this summer.
Are you up to date on changes affecting HGV drivers? The D4 driver medical waiver has already come to an end. Find out what you need to know here or book now if your HGV licence renewal medical is due.