New-look HGV levy will begin on 1 August

The HGV levy, abandoned at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, is to be reintroduced from 1 August with a new emphasis on emissions, weight and time spent in the UK.

The DfT said vehicles of 12 tonnes or more driving on motorways or A roads must pay the levy. The amount charged will depend on the weight of the vehicle, including the weight of a trailer if a rigid vehicle is pulling one, its Euro emissions class, and the amount of time it spends in the UK.

Rates vary from between £150 to £749 per vehicle, per year.

The DfT said the HGV levy was aimed at making sure lorries make a contribution reflecting the wear and tear of the road network.

The levy was suspended in August 2020 to support the haulage sector and aid pandemic recovery efforts.

However, the RHA said it opposed its return and that it was a tax increase on all road haulage.