The European Parliament has approved an amendment to EU rules on truck tolls. This concerns how strongly member states may relieve tolls on emission-free and low-emission heavy vehicles. The basis is the Eurovignette Directive, the European framework for certain road user charges.
According to the adopted text, from July 1, 2031, a maximum of 75 percent reduction for emission-free vehicles should be possible. For low-emission vehicles, the limit should then be 50 percent. VerkehrsRundschau points out that formal confirmation by the Council is still pending. The decision should therefore not be equated with a tariff change that is already in effect everywhere.
For fleet operators, the time horizon is particularly important. Anyone purchasing a vehicle today or leasing it long-term should calculate their costs over the entire period of use. Current relief should not be automatically carried forward unchecked for all future years. The countries traveled must also fit the calculation.
The new limits do not obligate member states to actually grant the maximum discount. For a specific route, national tariffs and the recognized classification of the vehicle continue to apply. Low-emission and emission-free are different categories. An alternatively-powered truck does not automatically fall into the most favorable class simply because of its designation.
Freight forwarders should include a verifiable toll clause in long-term contracts. This includes which changes will be passed on and how verification takes place. This makes it easier to avoid later disputes over announced and actually effective charges.
Shippers can demand a transparent invoice from their transport partners. Vehicle acquisition, energy, maintenance, and tolls should be clearly separated. The political direction is thus a planning factor. However, a reliable price for a specific route only emerges from vehicle data, routes, and the charges actually applicable there.