According to Network Rail statistics, 1,833 bridge strikes occurred during the 2021-2022 financial year, representing a jump of 209 incidents compared to the preceding 12 months. In relation to this worrying statistic, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has suggested that the recently reintroduced HGV levy should be used to improve low-bridge signage.

The road transport association added that hauliers wanted to know where their money is going to counter the feeling that it’s simply disappearing into a ‘Treasury Black Hole’. It also stated that some of its members have complained about poorly located, obscured and badly maintained signs that greatly contribute to the worsening problem.

Back After a 3-Year Suspension

After being suspended back in 2020 to aid pandemic recovery, the HGV levy has returned after what amounts to a 3-year suspension. As such, operators of vehicles of 12 tonnes and over must now pay between £150 and £749 per truck. The RHA believes that rolling the levy out again right now is badly timed, as firms are already reeling from spiralling fleet costs.

The RHA also feels that firms impacted by those increases will see it as a stealth tax, however, when speaking about these issues, RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith, recommended any funds generated by its reintroduction should be allocated to combat bridge strikes and badly maintained roads. He stated:

“Poorly maintained roads are a blight to all of us. They lead to collisions and damaged vehicles and cause unnecessary delays, which increase emissions and journey costs. Why not use levy funds to improve road surfaces which would benefit everybody?

Better road infrastructure is a priority for us. Hauliers are key economic enablers and are now contributing even more again through the levy. We have to accept it’s back, but firms will want to see where their contributions are going.

We urge ministers to pledge Levy money for much-needed infrastructure programmes. It would go some way to reassuring operators and makes wider economic sense”

Bridge Strikes Need to Be Prevented & Roads Maintained

However it’s funded, we are fully behind plans to improve the condition of the UK’s road network and reduce what are eminently preventable accidents. Naturally, the reintroduction of the HGV levy will hit already stretched hauliers hard, but if it must be brought back, spending the funds generated on important issues like these seems logical.

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