§ Mr. RandallTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the level of vehicle excise duty for a 40 tonne lorry in the United Kingdom in 1998–99. [79445]
§ Ms HewittVehicles plated to operate at 40 tonnes on 5 axles were first allowed on UK roads on 1 January 1999. They cause over 30 per cent. more road damage than 5 axle vehicles operating at 38 tonnes, the previous maximum weight. Therefore, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his March Budget statement that vehicle excise duty for such lorries plated at 40 tonnes would be set at £5,750 strongly to discourage their use at this weight.
336WIn light of the environmental impact the Chancellor also announced in his Budget Statement that vehicle excise duty for 41 tonne, 6 axle lorries, which cause considerably less road damage, has been set at £2,500.