Greener lorries face lower fees to use UK roads

Lorries that are better for the environment will pay less to use UK roads under plans unveiled by ministers.

From February next year, lorries that meet the latest Euro VI emissions standards will be eligible for a 10 per cent reduction in the cost of the Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) levy.

The cleanest lorries generate 80 per cent less nitrogen emissions than dirtier ones.

Euro V and older vehicles which do not meet the latest emissions standards will pay 20 per cent more than the current rates.

The HGV road user levy, introduced in 2014, was brought in as a first step to ensure lorries pay a charge to cover the higher wear and tear they cause road surfaces. Ministers hope the levy will further incentivise the industry to choose less polluting lorries.