Skip to main content

MEPs demand truck tolls to curb CO2 emissions

Fourteen MEPs have signed a letter to EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc demanding the European Commission propose legislation to impose new tolls on trucks, according to Euractiv. The Commission's Energy Union plans announced earlier this year dropped truck tolls laid out in earlier versions. There is currently no CO2 standard for trucks in Europe, although car and van CO2 emissions are limited. European Commission data shows trucks contributing one quarter of CO2 emissions from road transport in
November 20, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Fourteen MEPs have signed a letter to EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc demanding the European Commission propose legislation to impose new tolls on trucks, according to Euractiv.

The Commission's Energy Union plans announced earlier this year dropped truck tolls laid out in earlier versions.

There is currently no CO2 standard for trucks in Europe, although car and van CO2 emissions are limited. European Commission data shows trucks contributing one quarter of CO2 emissions from road transport in the EU, although campaigners estimate the figure to be higher.

The MEPs called for an amendment to the Eurovignette directive to scrap time-based charges and draft legislation that moves towards “full and mandatory internalisation of external costs and that enables the differentiation of tolls based on the energy efficiency of CO2 emissions of trucks.”

The Commission is expected to present new legislation on road transport next year. The MEPs asked Bulc to include new toll legislation for trucks in that proposal.
UTC

Related Content

  • October 31, 2018
    EU draft on road pricing adopts ‘user pays’ principle
    Draft rules have been adopted by European policy makers which would bring the idea of widescale ‘user pays’ road pricing one step closer. European Union member states which currently use time-based road user charges will need to switch to distance-based ones for trucks and buses (over 2.4 tonnes) from 2023, and vans and minibuses from 2027, if the rules are made into law. The idea is that vehicles would then be charged according to their actual road use and the pollution they generate. The ‘user
  • May 18, 2018
    Parliamentary council urges UK gov to support EC safety proposals
    A key UK safety body is calling for legislative action on European Commission vehicle safety proposals. The Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) wants the EC’s third mobility package to be adopted by the UK government. These measures are part of the Juncker Commission’s initiative to implement less polluting vehicles in Europe and provide more advanced technological solutions. This package outlines a new road safety policy framework for 2020-2030 and is accompanied by two legislativ
  • March 29, 2017
    EU transport chief calls for European car toll system
    The European Union's transport commissioner is calling for a Europe-wide car toll system that would enable motorists to use all European roads without having to stop at borders, says Associated Press. Many countries in the EU have highway toll systems, but they are separate and work in different ways. Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc said every country could decide for itself whether it wants a car toll system, but those that do should participate in a standardised electronic system. Bulc plans to
  • September 16, 2015
    EU Commissioner Violeta Bulc launches European Mobility Week
    European Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc will today inaugurate a series of sustainable transport activities at the launch of European Mobility Week, which takes place from 16 to 22 September at the European Parliament. Speaking ahead of the launch event, Bulc said: “European Mobility Week is a reminder that each and every one of us can make a difference. If we choose to walk or cycle more, to favour collective or public transport or to combine these sustainable modes, Europe as a whole can reap c