Deal for EU governments to tax truckers for pollution, noise
(STRASBOURG) - European governments will be able to hit hauliers for air and noise pollution costs after a deal struck in the European Parliament on Tuesday.
Extra taxes on top of existing motorway tolls, levied through controversial data chips scanned as truckers pass checkpoints, will not be mandatory but will be used to encourage companies to invest in equipment less damaging to the environment.
Approved with 505 votes in favour, 141 against and 17 abstentions, the new rules -- stemming from years of tense negotiations between European Union states -- still need final approval by national capitals.
The new law "will ensure that revenue from these charges is used to improve the performance of transport systems and cut pollution," a statement from the parliament said.
On average, three to four euro cents per vehicle and per kilometre "may be added to charges for using transport infrastructure to cover the external costs of road haulage, starting with air and noise pollution."
The law will apply to vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes, unless EU member states secure exemptions -- and governments must commit to use the money to improve transport networks and reduce damage to the environment.
The amount charged will vary according to traffic density under the rules to be phased in over several years.
Despite concerns among environmental campaigners that the new rules do not go far enough, EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas described them as a "revolution" in transport, part of a broader push to move medium-distance travel from road to rail.
Further information, European Parliament: