The Austrian transport and logistics sector has been under significant economic pressure for months. On 10 September, 63 trucks from all parts of the country rolled into Vienna to protest against the planned toll increase in 2026. Just a few hours later, the political response followed: The federal government surprisingly quickly agreed on a toll package that provides a one-time relief while also factoring in ecological costs more effectively.
The protest had an impact. Transporters generally welcome the decision, even though the structural burdens on the industry remain high.
The government promises planning security and aims to create cost transparency in road transport and secure infrastructure financing with the new model.
Key points include:
- Suspension of toll valorisation: For 2026, the automatic adjustment of infrastructure costs to inflation will be omitted. The car vignette, however, will be increased in line with inflation as usual (+2.9%).
- Incorporation of external costs: Air pollution, noise pollution, and CO₂ emissions of heavy vehicles will be accounted for more significantly, amounting to €42 million.
- Promotion of electric trucks: The discount regulation of 75% for emission-free vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is now valid until 2030.
‘With the toll package, we are creating better planning security for the transport economy in switching to electric trucks while also making the financing of infrastructure more sustainable,’ Hanke stated.
Austria remains toll champion of Europe
Another criticism concerns the high toll costs compared to other European countries. According to WKÖ, a toll fee of €50 in Austria covers 94 kilometres, in Germany 144 kilometres, and in Poland even 535 kilometres.
For the industry, the now-decided suspension of toll valorisation was an important signal. Nevertheless, cost pressures remain high—not least due to additional charges, rising wages, and the weak economic trend in freight transport.
Background: industry has been warning for months
The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ) had issued urgent warnings about additional burdens as early as summer. Industry representative Alexander Klacska spoke of a ‘stress limit’ for companies.
The figures underline the strained situation:
- Registrations of trucks and tractor units fell by 21% between January and May 2025.
- According to a WKÖ economic survey, only 58% of companies now rate their order backlog as sufficient.
- The annual cost burden for a 40-ton truck has already risen to over €80,000 and could rise to nearly €92,000 by 2026.
‘While the cost burden for a 40-ton truck was €63,000 in 2022, it will be nearly €92,000 in 2026,’ Klacska warned in mid-June.
