French Eco Tax Harms HGV Operators

A new eco tax going into effect in France will directly affect any company that operates HGVs in that country. The tax has already been tested in a pilot program, but no one expected it to be withdrawn once it was implemented. When it takes effect fully it will be especially harmful to foreign companies that use French roads for transit to Spain, Italy, and other countries.

The new tax will affect every HGV in excess of 3.5 tons travelling on French trunk roads, departmental roads, and motorways. The tax has already been in effect since June on some secondary roads. It will be fully implemented across France from October 1^st.

On that date, HGVs will have to be fitted with an electronic device that will record mileage and compute the tax. The tax will be charged for every kilometre travelled on affected roads. According to agricultural sector representatives, the tax will be most harmful to them.

Irish agricultural exporters, who are among the biggest opponents of the new tax, say the French government must take action to reduce the ever-escalating cost of driving on the French road system. In their own country, they suggest levelling the field by reducing the annual HGV tax from £2300 to £900 and implementing a similar eco tax.

HGV Drivers Unaffected

New taxes and fees are never good news from a business perspective. Yet there is good news in the fact that HGV drivers themselves will be largely unaffected as long as they work for a company. Their employers will pay the taxes, then pass those costs along in consumer pricing. The driver will not pay out of pocket unless he is an independent operator.

Despite the eco tax issue, driving HGVs for a living is a great career choice. The HGV Training Centre invites you to consider it if you are just starting out or you are the victim of redundancy. We provide HGV training in East Sussex, Liverpool, Birmingham, and at more than 45 locations around the UK.

Our programs are designed to help you every step of the way, from your initial medical exam all the way to passing your practical skills test. We’ll offer you as much or as little help as you need. Nevertheless, we can’t do anything until you contact us.

Whether you take your HGV training in East Sussex or elsewhere, the process starts with a full car license. As long as you have that, you can apply for provisional entitlement after passing your routine medical exam. From there it is a matter of passing your theory test, completing your training, and passing your practical skills test.

When you work with the HGV training centre, you’ll find our fast-paced and intense approach teaches you just what you need to learn to pass your tests. Our methods are proven successful as demonstrated by our 92% first-time pass rate for those taking the HGV theory test. If you are ready to get started, we are ready to help.