Since 1999, various EU directives have set common rules on distance-related tolls and time-based user charges (known as vignettes) for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) for the use of certain road infrastructure. Road charging is an option that is open to any Member State and can contribute to the funding of a country’s road infrastructure, particularly in the context of ensuring that out-of-state hauliers who use the infrastructure make a contribution to its funding.
The new UK road user levy, due to come into effect on 1 April 2014, introduces a charge on all HGVs weighing 12 tonnes or more for use of UK roads including those in Northern Ireland. I have previously expressed my concerns regarding the impact this levy will have on Irish hauliers to my UK and Northern Ireland colleagues. Furthermore, I have sought exemptions for some roads in Northern Ireland to reduce the impact of the levy on Irish hauliers. The issue has also been discussed at transport sectoral meetings of the North South Ministerial Council. I will be meeting my colleague in the UK, Stephen Hammond M.P., Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport in late February and I intend to raise this issue directly with him again.
As at 31 December 2013 there were 317,849 goods vehicles taxed in Ireland, of which 9,500 were 12 tonnes or more in weight. This means that 3% of Irish-registered goods vehicles are within the scope of the UK levy. I do not believe it is likely that a significant proportion of this cohort of Irish-registered goods vehicles that are subject to the UK levy will migrate to alternative jurisdictions. Any operators that do so will then be subject to the cabotage regulations that apply to out-of-state operators and their transport operations within Ireland will consequently be greatly restricted. The application of motor tax rates is a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
