UPTR has strongly criticized this increase, describing it as “indecent,” “ideological,” “economically irrational,” and “particularly detrimental” to Belgian (T)SMEs operating in the transport sector.
The controversy surrounding this price hike is linked to the process by which it was approved and implemented.
On January 27, 2023, SOFICO’s Board of Directors unanimously decided on the new mileage tax rate. However, it wasn’t until June 15, 2023, that the Walloon Minister of Mobility and Infrastructure, Philippe Henry of the Ecolo party, granted his approval for this decision.
The situation took an unexpected turn when the validation of this decision was officially published in the Belgian Official Gazette on September 12, 2023.
According to the rules governing the publication of official documents, this validation did not have the force of law until ten days later. This created a gap between July 1 and September 21, 2023, during which there was no legally established basis to justify the collection of the increased kilometre fee.
UPTR estimates that more than 8 million euros were unduly collected during this period. In light of these irregularities, the union is now calling on Minister Henry to take responsibility for the failures within the services under his political authority. Rather than seeking his resignation, UPTR urges him to compel SOFICO to automatically reimburse all illegally collected sums, along with legal interest at the applicable rate of 12% per year.
To facilitate the process for its members and safeguard their rights in the event of a potential collective action, UPTR has prepared a standard reimbursement request letter. This letter is intended to be sent to SOFICO and Viapass, a public body responsible for coordinating and monitoring the kilometre charge.
Photo credits @ M.Minderhoud, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons