§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
Taking into account the increase in lorry weights and the reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty which will come into force next year, what reduction in unit costs, expressed in pence per capacity tonne kilometres, will the operator of a maximum weight lorry enjoy, assuming fuel prices remain constant at today's level. [HL4075]
§ The Minister of State, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Lord Macdonald of Tradeston)From 1 February next year, it is intended that it will be permissible to run six-axled articulated vehicles at a maximum weight of 44 tonnes in general haulage, in comparison with the current maximum of 41 tonnes. The Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rate for 44-tonne vehicles will be £2,950, compared with £2,500 for 41-tonne vehicles on six axles. Allowing for the differences in payload, VED rate and fuel costs, we estimate that unit costs expressed in pence per capacity tonne kilometres will be broadly the same for the two types of vehicle.