* Belgium - Are trucks taking their toll?
-- The European Commission should introduce truck tolls based on CO2 emissions as part of its ‘Eurovignette’ review this year. So if they are here to stay then trucks will need to become a lot cleaner and safer... Trucks are responsible for a whole range of impacts that bring costs to society; they damage roads, emit air pollution, contribute to climate change and are involved in a disproportionate number of fatal crashes. These negative impacts are called “external costs” and were recently shown to cause a remarkable €143 billion in damages every year in Europe... Currently, only 30% of this amount is being paid for by those responsible and we as the taxpayers are left to pay for the rest. One great way to reduce these costs – and make sure it’s not just the public who pays – is by tolling trucks for their use of the road... Belgium recently introduced a toll for trucks on a large network of their roads. The toll in Belgium will be differentiated based on the “EURO class” of the vehicle, which means that people who drive a truck that emits less air pollution will pay a reduced toll. This will help to improve air quality within the country. The toll also means that the three regional governments can receive more revenue for the public budget... The European Commission defines the parameters by which countries can toll the trucks on our roads. They should not limit the positive things that countries can achieve through their tolls. Tolling could be an effective aid in transitioning to a cleaner transport sector but this requires CO2 to be included, caps to be improved, and antiquated systems to be phased-out...
(Photo by Bob Adams/Flickr - The European Commission is reviewing the "Eurovignette" directive this year) -- Brussels, Belgium - EurActiv, by Samuel Kenny - 18 Apr 2016Labels: truck tolls, trucking industry news Europe
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