Road tax changes in Europe

The Czech toll increase is confirmed and will take effect on March 1st, 2024. Here's what you need to know:

• Impact per toll kilometer: 0.64 CZK (approximately €0.025 +/-) for Euro 6 trucks (Emission class 1).

• There are 5 CO2 emission classes: Higher CO2 emissions mean higher tolls.

• Most vehicles initially in class 1 (highest toll): 90%+ estimated to fall here.

• Check if your vehicle qualifies for lower class: This applies to vehicles registered after July 1st, 2019.

• Affected vehicles: Primarily Euro 6 trucks, representing around 95% of the impacted category.

Stay informed:

• Czech Ministry of Transport website: https://www.mdcr.cz/ (in Czech)
• Myto CZ (Czech toll system): https://www.mytocz.eu/en

Belgium

As of 1st July 2023, new tariffs apply for Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia. 

Bulgaria

Also, from the 1st July 2023, new toll rates apply in Bulgaria. The increase accounts for around 50%. For our Euro 6 trucks on a highway, we benefit from the lowest possible road tax, equal to Enhanced Environmentally friendly vehicles (EEVs). Therefore, the rate will be 0,35 BGN / km.

HGV Levy in the United Kingdom

From 1st August 2023, a revised HGV levy is applicable for HGVs over 12,000 kg on motorways or 'A' roads in the UK. It is important to note that this levy must be paid upfront before driving in the UK. The exact levy amount depends on the vehicle’s weight, the Euro emission class and time spent in the UK.

Hungary

As of the 1st October 2023, new toll rates will be introduced in Hungary, resulting in substantial increase of 30-50%, depending on type and road, vehicle and route.

LKW-Maut in Germany

As part of the Climate Protection Modernization Package (Klimaschutzprogramm 2030), the German government announced significant LKW-Maut changes effective December 1st, 2023. These changes aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote long-term sustainability. Here's what you need to know:

1. CO2 Surcharges: Starting from December 2023, there will be a CO2 surcharge of 200 EUR per ton of CO2 emitted by commercial vehicles. This will result in an additional approx. 0,16 EUR/km.
2. Maut increases significantly from 0,19 EUR/km to 0,35 EUR/km.
3. Euro 6 trucks are charged equal to Maut as LNG / CNG as from 2024. Our sustainable fleet includes only Euro 6 trucks or higher.
4. Expansion of Maut: Commercial vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons will also be subject to the LKW-Maut.
5. Future changes: By 2025, there will be a virtual infrastructure network for battery-electric and hydrogen trucks, charging infrastructure and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure for heavy trucks. Further, by 2025, rail freight transport must reach a market share of 25%. To achieve this, serious efforts are being made to strengthen, modernise and digitise the railway.
    

Shortsea connections - ETS

Due to EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) policy, all companies with vessels operating in the EU/ EAA have to pay an annual emission allowance. The new legislation will include 100% of emissions for voyages within the EU to support the EU’s ambitions to combat climate change. Shipping companies will request a 40% emission purchase allowance in 2024, 70% in 2025, and 100% in 2026 to support a smooth transition. From 1st January 2024, there is a standalone surcharge. The exact financial impact is unknown, but as the launch of ETS approaches, more details will be provided..

If you are our customer and the above changes apply to you for transport in the mentioned countries - you will be contacted shortly.

How to minimize the impact of changes?

You can take several measures to minimize the impact of those changes, for example:

• Work with European freight provider with only newer vehicles - Euro 6 class or later. Those have the lowest emission standards, which results in lower rates,

• Diversify to a multimodal connection which, thanks to rail connections, can lower their CO2 emissions and offer alternatives for road transport, minimizing the impact of road tax changes

• Use providers with Mega trailers. Standard box trailer carry 90m3 when Mega trailers carry 100m3 of a load. This helps you increase volume per trip and save costs since most companies are paying only per trip or trailer.

• Choose a freight provider with a strong ESG strategy that supports upcoming green innovations, such as hydrogen trucks.
  
  

What are the next road tax changes?

Effective January 1, 2025, Denmark plans to transition from the Eurovignette to a mileage-based road charge for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). To stay abreast of this new taxation system, please refer to the Vejafgifter.dk website. This change will render Eurovignettes obsolete in Denmark after December 31, 2024.

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