Container trucks travel along a stretch of National Highway 5 through northern Hai Phong City. A new draft decree says that transport enterprises have to pay a road-use fee of U$$2,380 each month. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Transport enterprises who have to pay the road-use fee of VND50 million (US$2,380) per month or more will be allowed to pay every month instead of once a year as at present, a new draft decree has said.

The decree, which was prepared by the Ministry of Finance, stipulates that transport enterprises pay the fee the last day of the month.

Registration centres will be in charge of collecting the fee.

The decree was made following a proposal by many transport enterprises who protested at the large once-a-year payment.

The changes are expected to help transport enterprises avoid financial hardship, especially those controlling many trucks.

The decree also states that trucks owned by co-operatives and transport companies that closed down within 30 days would not have to pay the fee.

Vehicles used only at stations, ports, and mining and forestry areas will be exempt.

The fee levels will be adjusted for some kinds of vehicles. For example, buses will pay VND180,000 ($8.50) a month instead of the current VND590,000 ($28).

Previously, many enterprises protested at the collection of the fees, which they described as "improper".

Hoang Ngoc Thanh, director of Hoang Ha Transport Company in northern Thai Binh Province, said his company had more than 50 truck containers, and he had to pay more than VND400 million ($19,040) per year.

"It is improper. Not all of our trucks operate 30 days per month as they need time off for regular maintenance and drivers ask for their leave," he said.

The road-use fee, which requires motorbikes, cars and trucks and other engine vehicles nation-wide to provide funds for road maintenance, became effective on January 1 last year. — VNS