The devices, known as GPS jammers, emit a signal that disrupts the GPS signal of the toll gantries. This makes the gantries think that the truck has already passed through, so they do not charge a toll, writes Bild.
According to a spokesperson for the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM formerly BAG), the authorities are aware of the scam, but they have not been able to stop it. Spokesperson Josef Thiel told Bild that it is difficult to detect such devices as they are small and easy to hide.
Bild also quoted a truck driver named Bernd Hölscher, who claims that “everything bad starts with the fact that many drivers from Poland or Lithuania are now working with illegal devices that, when passing a toll booth, use a technical signal to pretend that they have already paid the toll and thus pay zero cents for it”. Moreover, the lorry driver claims these companies can offer trips at cheap prices because they cheat on the toll.
Although those are just thoughts of one driver, Prof. Dr. Dirk Engelhardt, spokesperson for the board of directors of the Federal Association of Road Haulage, Logistics and Disposal (BGL), did acknowledge that GPS jammers are being used. He told Bild that he “strongly condemns any illegal practices, including the use of GPS jammers.”
Bild also hypothesises that the situation is likely to get worse due to the truck toll increases set to kick in next year, when a CO2 tax will is to be added. This will make it even harder for law-abiding companies to compete as those that avoid toll payments will benefit from even lower operating costs.