The price of the Eurovignette will increase from 1 July 2019. The fee is valid in the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden, and Denmark and applies to all vehicles above 12 tonnes. The Dutch Transport and Logistics Association (TLN) strongly opposes the price increases.
Tariffs will increase from July 1, 2019 and will mainly apply to older trucks (Euroclass 4 and lower). For example, the Euro 4 vehicle yearly rate will increase from 1,250 euros to 1,400 euros. In the case of Euro 3, this is an increase from 1250 to 1543 euros per year. The daily rate will increase from 8 to 12 euros for all categories.
The proceeds from the tolls for using the motorways will go to the budget of the Dutch government. The estimated additional revenues will amount to 13 million euros in 2019 and 31 million euros in subsequent years (of which 8 million euros will be paid by Dutch carriers). These funds are to be allocated to the development and development of infrastructure.
Opposition of trade unionists
The Dutch Transport and Logistics Association (TLN) does not hide indignation. The network of roads covered by the vignette is smaller because both Germany (in 2003) and Belgium (in 2016) gave up the Eurovignette system in exchange for a toll. Therefore, according to trade unionists, prices should go down, not vice versa. Now, carriers will pay more for vignettes that cover fewer countries. In addition, they will have to pay a toll in Germany (where the government has recently expanded the payment to most federal roads) and Belgium.
The idea of taxing older trucks met with understanding, given their negative impact on the environment. However, trade unionists say that the government already announced a tax on heavy goods vehicles which is due to be introduced in 2023.
Photo: Pixabay/hpgruesen/public domain