31 January 2001

DVLNI Issuing £7m In Rebates For HGV Operators

The DOE’s Driver Vehicle Licensing NI (DVLNI) are issuing a total of £7 million in rebates to Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) operators.

However some operators have still to make a claim and DVLNI is calling on them to do so.

The amount of rebate varies from £67.50 to £4625. To date a total of £6.4 million has been paid out.

In calling on remaining HGV operators to claim their rebates, DVLNI’s Chief Executive Brendan Magee said:

"I know these rebates are very welcome in the haulage industry and we are pleased with uptake so far. A total of £6.4 million has been paid to HGV operators to date. However, that still leaves £600,000 up for grabs.

"I would therefore urge any HGV operator who has received a letter of invite to return it immediately. Further, if there is anyone who thinks they may be entitled to a rebate and did not receive a letter, please contact DVLNI headquarters at County Hall Coleraine on 028 7034 1461."

Notes To Editors:

1. The Chancellor in his Pre-Budget Statement on 8 November 2000 announced a scheme to rebate up to 50% of the Vehicle Excise Duty currently paid for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) weighing more than 7.5 tonnes.
2. Final details of the rebate scheme, including the eligibility criteria, were received from Treasury on 19 December 2000 and within two days of receiving this approval invitation letters were issued to 94% of operators eligible to claim the rebate. The remaining letters have all now been issued.
3. The amount of rebates vary from £67.50 and £4,625.00 which amounts to a 50% rebate on the duty paid and to date £6.4million has been paid out. These rebates will be welcomed by the haulage industry.
4. Following on from this rebate scheme, from 1 December 2000 HGV operators have been able to re-licence at reduced rates. This will affect approximately 1000 operators each month.
5. For further information please contact Philip Maguire DOE Press Office Tel 028 9054 0013.