Cleaner lorries can now receive a 10% reduction in the HGV road user levy.

From 1 February, haulage firms operating Euro-6 vehicles can receive a discount on the levy following an announcement by the roads minister last year.

Legislation was subsequently amended to allow the rate changes as part of the 2019 Finance Bill introduced in last October’s Budget.

The DfT said the newest lorries generate 80% less nitrogen oxide emissions than older vehicles. However, Euro-5 vehicles and older are now required to pay up to 20% more.

Jon Lawes, MD at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions, said it was right for the government to implement the measures.

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However, he added that the move away from diesel to alternative fuels and cleaner air technologies was not going to happen overnight.

“There is currently no approved Euro-6 retrofit option for hauliers and the impact of the HGV levy, combined with incoming clean air zones, is putting pressure on haulage and goods companies throughout the UK,” he said.

“We’ve seen a 200% increase in our compressed natural gas HGV fleet in the last 12 months, which is hugely encouraging.

“However, the migration will take time and considered investment, so it will be a gradual evolution of HGV fleets.”

The levy was introduced in 2014 and applies to lorries of 12 tonnes or more.

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