The Goods Vehicles (Authorisation of International Journeys) (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2001

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations amend the Goods Vehicles (Authorisation of International Journeys) (Fees) Regulations 2000.

From 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2004, access to Switzerland by Community heavy goods vehicles (laden weight over 34 tonnes and up to 40 tonnes) is controlled by means of quotas of Swiss permits, as allocated to the Community by Switzerland. European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) No. 2888/2000 (“the EC Regulation”) establishes the rules governing the management and distribution of the permits among Member States.

These Regulations prescribe the fee (£4) to be paid for the issue of a Swiss permit. These permits fall into two types: (1) full-weight permits which are required by the Swiss authorities and authorise the operation of heavy goods vehicles with a laden weight of over 34 tonnes and up to 40 tonnes on journeys to and from or in transit across Switzerland; and (2) empty permits for heavy goods vehicles which are empty or transporting light loads.

Empty permits are available on a quota basis for the purpose of securing reduced charges for use of Swiss motorways. Since reductions in Swiss motorway charges for heavy goods vehicles are only available for vehicles with an empty or laden weight between 7.5 and 28 tonnes, this weight band is in effect taken to be a light load.

No reduction in Swiss motorway charges is available for heavy goods vehicles in excess of 28 tonnes but less than 34 tonnes in weight, hence no Swiss permit is either required or issued for this category.

No distinction is made between the two types of Swiss permit for purposes of the fee charged, but they are subject to separate quota arrangements set out in the EC Regulation.

A Regulatory Impact Assessment has been carried out and a copy placed in the library of both Houses of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Road Haulage Regulation Division, Zone 2/22, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR (telephone [phone]).