In the first place, the German authorities extended the tolls, now they will increase the rates – the German government is counting on additional revenues for infrastructure. Next year, carriers will pay more for tolls in Germany.
Despite the appeals of German entrepreneurs who warned against the increase in transport and goods prices, in July of this year, Germany extended the tolls to all federal roads. The next step of the government, which will not appeal to both German and foreign carriers, is to increase toll rates.
The new rates will apply in Germany from January 1, 2019. Electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as vehicles powered with ecological gas fuels (CNG, LNG), will be exempt from charges.
Toll components
According to the expertise of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, which was approved by the Bundestag last week, the toll will consist of three components:
– toll component for infrastructure,
– toll component for environmental pollution,
– toll component for noise pollution.
For example, 18-tonne trucks with 4 axles and more will be subject to a fee of 18.7 cents per kilometer (for Euro 6 class) or 19.8 cents per kilometer (for Euro 5 class). Currently, for comparison, rates of 11.7 and 13.5 cents apply, respectively for Euro 6 and Euro 5 class vehicles.
Toll rates for infrastructure:
| Vehicle category | Toll rates in cents per km |
| GVW from 7.5 t to 12 t | 8,0 |
| GVW from od 12 do 18 t | 11,5 |
| Truck with less than 4 axles and GVW from 18 t | 16,0 |
| Truck with 4 axles or more and GVW from 18 t | 17,4 |
Toll rates for external pollution costs:
| Vehicle category | Toll rates in cents per km |
| Euro 0,1 | 8,5 |
| Euro 2 | 7,4 |
| Euro 3 | 6,4 |
| Euro 4 | 3,2 |
| Euro 5 | 2,2 |
| Euro 6 | 1,1 |
Noise charge for all vehicles – 0.2 cents per kilometer.
Photo: Pixabay/hpgruesen