Within Europe, there is no uniform system for taxing the use of the roads and environmental impact on the transport sector. Each country uses its own method, adjusting it at random times and using different toll rates. In the past six months, several countries have implemented toll increases. Below is a summary of recent changes.
Hungary
On Oct. 1, 2023, Hungary increased tolls for freight transport over 3.5 tons by 17.6%. This significant increase is intended to cover the cost of maintaining and improving the road network.
Germany
Germany almost doubled the Maut for 4-axle trucks as of Dec. 1, 2023, with an increase of nearly 85%. This substantial increase reflects Germany’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of heavy transport and fund infrastructure.
Belgium
Since Jan. 1, 2024, toll rates in Belgium have increased by 4.08%, representing an increase from 17.8 cents to 18.6 cents per kilometer. This is a measure to cover road maintenance and environmental protection costs.
Austria
Austria has increased tolls for 4-axle trucks to 34.8 cents per kilometer as of Jan. 1, 2024, an increase of 9.2%. In addition, there is an extra surcharge of 1 to 4 cents per kilometer depending on the vehicle’s emissions, providing an additional stimulus for cleaner driving.
Czech Republic
In the Czech Republic, tolls increased by an average of 2 cents per kilometer as of March 1, 2024. On highways, 22 cents per kilometer will be added and on freeways 12 cents per kilometer. This adjustment is intended to cover road maintenance costs and further charge the transportation sector for their environmental impact.
Denmark
On Jan. 1, 2025, Denmark will abandon the Eurovignette and introduce a mileage charge for trucks over 12 tons. This transition means that driving within environmental zones will become 50% more expensive, which puts an emphasis on reducing pollution in city areas.
Future expectations
Given the current trend, it is likely that there will be more toll increases in the future in several European countries. These measures are generally aimed at financing infrastructure improvements and promoting more environmentally friendly transportation.
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From 1 July 2024, the obligation to comply with the RO e-Transport system and obtain UIT codes will come into force for all international transports of all types of goods to and from Romania. At the same time, the control of road transports with GPS tracking will be established, both for domestic transporters of fiscal risk goods as well as international carriers of goods in general.
RO e-Transport is the system through which the Romanian Ministry of Finance controls road transport of high fiscal risk goods and international road transport of goods in Romania. The system aims to reduce tax evasion, reduce the VAT gap and prevent illegal trade.
The RO e-Transport system requires timely notification of the electronic RO e-Transport document, containing information such as the consignor and consignee of the goods, characteristics and value of the goods transported, and the place of loading and unloading, to the national platform. After notification, the system generates a unique UIT code, which is important for identification during transport.
From 1 July 2024, all international transports of goods must comply with these requirements, as long as one can confirm to specific criteria, including a trailer over 2.5 tonnes, goods over 500 kg and a value of goods over 10,000 RON (about EUR 2,000).
The responsibility for communicating the RO e-Transport document lies with different parties, including the sender, consignee, supplier and warehouse owner, depending on the nature of the transaction and the location of the goods.
High-tax-risk product categories already covered by this system are:
Vegetables, fruits, alcoholic beverages, clothing, footwear and iron and steel products.
Contact us for support and advice to comply with regulations and keep your transports running smoothly.
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From 1 March 2024, trucks in the Czech Republic will start paying extra for their CO2 emissions! As in Germany and Austria, truck tolls will now be calculated based on emissions class.
EU regulations
The Czech government’s move follows European regulations for toll-charging countries, which aim to reduce CO2 emissions and promote more environmentally friendly transport methods. According to government documents, toll costs are rising by around two cents per kilometer on average. On highways, trucks will pay about 22 cents per kilometer from March, and 12 cents on motorways.
Similar to Germany
In Germany, a similar introduction caused a stir earlier, with carriers almost doubling their toll costs. Dutch transport companies could be expected to spend around €150 million extra on the CO2 surcharge.
The Netherlands is also considering a kilometer charge, scheduled for 2027. If introduced, it will differentiate between different emission classes, as in the Czech Republic.
Stay informed
Stay informed about the latest developments and possible changes in the European transport sector by following our updates. Be prepared and anticipate future regulations to minimise the impact on your business.
With the goal of reducing the impact of freight transport on the environment, Austria has made changes to truck tolls from 1 January 2024, following the steps taken by its neighbour Germany. This new measure aims to promote sustainable transport and reduce CO2 emissions from heavy truck traffic.
Sustainable transport encouraged
The new regulation entails a substantial toll hike for numerous Euro-6 trucks, adding an extra surcharge of 1 to 4 cents per kilometer. This move aims to incentivize carriers to adopt cleaner vehicles and greener transport methods. Its announcement coincides with a rising global focus on environmental concerns and nations contemplating stricter measures against climate change. Austria acknowledges the imperative of proactive steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Positive reactions, but also concerns
The new toll structure has been welcomed by environmentalists and climate experts, who see it as a step in the right direction for reducing the environmental impact of freight transport. However, some transport industry representatives have raised concerns about the additional costs they will bear as a result of this measure.
Austria emphasizes long-term benefits
Nevertheless, Austrian government officials stress that the long-term benefits of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transport methods outweigh the short-term costs. They encourage freight operators to embrace these changes and invest in more environmentally friendly transport solutions.