As the manager of the Austrian motorways, Asfinag informed public, higher toll rates will enter into force in Austria from next year. There are also changes regarding trucks meeting the Euro 6 emission standard.
According to Asfinag, Austrian toll rates will be adjusted for inflation as of 1 January 2020. The basic tariff will increase by 2.1%. The adjustment of the level of charges for heavy goods vehicles above 3.5 t is based on the HICP for 2018.
According to the Austrian motorway manager, Euro 6 trucks will still be eligible for discount. Emission-free vehicles – electric or hydrogen-powered ones – are to be subject to ‘significantly reduced’ rates. The toll system is intended to ‘continue to favour the most environmentally friendly trucks’.
Changes for Euro 6 vehicles
As in Germany, the Austrian toll consists of three components:
– a basic tariff depending on the number of axles,
– external costs related to traffic-based air pollution (according to the number of axles and Euro emission class),
– external costs related to noise pollution (according to the number of axles and time of day).
From the beginning of 2020, Euro 6 vehicles will be fully charged for the external costs of air pollution. From the beginning to the end of 2019, only part of these costs is charged to these trucks (40%).
According to Asfinag, road toll revenues will continue to be invested in the operation, construction, maintenance and safety of Austrian expressways and motorways.
Photo: Wikimedia/Jochen Teufel CCA SA 3.0