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Proposals to bring the UK in line with other European Union states and charge hauliers to drive on the roads will give British drivers a better deal, a government minister has stated.

Mike Penning, the roads minister, has said that British hauliers have to pay to use the roads in many countries on the continent, therefore this disparity in the UK should be addressed.

He said: "We want to ensure that UK hauliers get a fairer deal and help maintain the competitiveness of our logistics industry."

Currently the maintenance of UK roads is funded by the taxpayer, despite the fact that 1.5 million trips are made annually by hauliers who use them.

Mr Penning encouraged UK hauliers to get involved in the consultation period of the proposals in order to ensure they benefit them.

It is thought that the changes will increase the UK's market share in the industry, while increasing employment and stimulating growth.

Lorries weighing in excess of 12 tonnes will be charged around £10 a day, depending on the rate of inflation and exchange rate when the measures are implemented.

This is likely to be around 2015, but the charges are definitely expected to be worked out in relation to the amount of time spent in the country.

As European law means that UK registered vehicles cannot be favoured over those registered on the continent, British drivers will have to pay the fees, but have them reimbursed through Vehicle Excise Duty.

Mr Penning said: "The proposals I have set out today will ensure that all hauliers who use our roads are contributing to their cost, regardless of where they are from."

The road network in the UK is operated, maintained and improved by the Highways Agency on behalf of the secretary of state for transport.