Europe is on a mission to slash its road traffic CO₂ emissions by 30% come 2030, compared to the levels back in 2005. This big environmental push is being driven by Directive (EU) 2022/362, which came into play on 24 March 2022. What's it all about? Well, it's shaking things up by weaving CO₂ emission classes right into the fabric of national toll systems. EU member states are on the clock, with 24 months to get this integrated into their laws.
Here's a fun fact that might surprise you: Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) are behind 26% of the EU's road transport CO₂ emissions, even though they make up a mere 2% of vehicles on the roads. This directive is tackling that head-on by rolling out CO₂-based tolling. Think of it as a 'carrot-and-stick' deal – it's all about encouraging the use of cleaner, greener trucks by offering them lower toll rates while the gas-guzzlers face heftier charges. This clever move is expected to make a big splash in the overall cost of owning and running trucks, nudging the market towards eco-friendlier options.
And there's a bigger picture here, too. The EU's not just looking to cut back on emissions – it's gunning for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 and aims to hit that sweet spot of climate neutrality by 2050. What does this mean for HDVs? Well, the clock's ticking for them to go green. By 2035, every new freight truck and bus rolling off the production line has to be zero-emission, and by 2040, this rule applies across the board to all heavy-duty vehicles. This change isn't just good news for the environment; it's a golden chance for EU countries to lead the charge in green transportation. By implementing tolls based on CO₂ emissions, countries can expedite the shift to cleaner trucks.
The European Union has a diverse approach to charging heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) for the use of roads. This system varies significantly among member states, with some applying distance-based tolling, others using time-based user charges and a few operating under long-term concession contracts with private operators.
A substantial number of EU countries, including Germany, Poland, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Belgium, Bulgaria, and the soon-to-join Denmark and the Netherlands, have implemented government-directed distance-based tolling. This system, where toll rates are determined by the distance travelled, is overseen by national authorities, often in collaboration with government ministries. These countries, accounting for 53% of EU road freight, do not engage non-state actors in toll rate determination.
In contrast, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Portugal have entrusted almost all of their highways to private operators under long-term concession contracts. These 'concession countries' give significant control over toll rates to these operators. Ireland has a similar system for selected highway sections. Spain, which is witnessing a decrease in concessions and an increase in free-to-use roads, is planning a national toll system covering all highways as part of its post-pandemic recovery strategy. By 2027, concession-controlled distance-based tolls are expected to cover Member States with 28% of EU road freight.
Time-based user charges, known as vignettes, allow vehicles to use infrastructure for a set period, such as a day or a week. This model is less common but still in use in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Luxembourg. These countries, which may retain vignettes for regional reasons or due to the costs of switching to distance-based tolling, represent just 4% of EU road freight. Romania, currently using vignettes, has pledged to transition to distance-based charging as part of its recovery program.
By 2027, the EU expects to have 81% coverage with distance-based tolling (53% government-directed and 28% concession-operated), along with vignette user charging. This totals approximately 85% of truck toll/vignette coverage across the EU. The remaining 15% is either in transition, like Spain and Romania, or currently untolled, as is the case with Finland, Malta, and Cyprus.
The European Union is taking significant strides in integrating environmental considerations into its road-tolling systems. With the introduction of Directive (EU) 2022/362, member states are now required to incorporate CO₂ variations into their tolling systems for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). Here's how it works:
Under the new system, vehicles are categorised into five CO₂ classes (as above), with every vehicle initially placed in Class 1. If you're aiming for a lower toll rate, falling into Classes 2 to 5, you'll need to provide some extra data or registration details. This is where services like Eurowag's toll solution come in handy. You can submit the necessary information through Eurowag to qualify for these reduced toll charges. If your vehicle fits the bill, the toll operator should apply these reductions accordingly. Just a heads up, though, to benefit from a reduced surcharge from the standard CO₂ Class 1, your vehicle must have been registered after July 2019. Once you submit your details, they’ll be forwarded to the relevant authorities, who will then calculate your toll charges based on this updated information.
Curious about how the new CO₂ Emission Classes will impact your toll for truck costs? Why not give the Eurowag CO₂ calculator a whirl? It's a handy tool that can give you a ballpark figure of what you might expect to pay in tolls based on your vehicle's CO₂ output. It's a great way to get a head start on planning for these changes and understanding their financial implications for your fleet.
You'll need to provide some specific data and vehicle documents to show the CO₂ emissions of your vehicles. The kind of information you'll need to provide includes:
Remember, this list might change without notice, so it's always good to double-check. Along with these details, you'll also need to upload some key vehicle papers like the Vehicle Registration Part 1, the Certificate of Conformity (COC), and the Customer Information File (CIF).
Once you submit the above information to Eurowag, we take care of the rest. We'll forward everything to the local toll authorities, ensuring your vehicles are properly classified and the correct CO₂ class is applied. It's a simple process that helps you stay compliant and possibly benefit from lower toll rates!
As Europe gears up for a greener future, significant changes are coming to the way tolls are calculated, especially for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). Let's break down what these changes look like in key European countries:
In the context of adapting to Directive (EU) 2022/362 and its tolling requirements, utilising advanced technologies becomes crucial. Tools like Eurowag's E-toll solution, complemented by devices such as the EVA on-board unit, ensure not only compliance but also efficiency in toll collection for trucks. Eurowag's E-toll solution makes sure your fleet is on the right side of these changes, ensuring accurate vehicle classification and fair toll charges and supporting your 'go green' efforts. The EVA on-board units play a key role in accurately capturing CO₂ emissions data and toll payments, aligning seamlessly with the directive's aim for a more environmentally responsible road transport sector.
Take a look at the Eurowag CO₂ calculator. It's a nifty way to get a handle on what these changes might mean for your wallet based on your vehicles' CO₂ emissions. Using this tool is a smart move for planning ahead and keeping your fleet rolling smoothly under the new regulations. It's all about staying savvy in this evolving transport scene.
Learn more about CO₂ Emission Classes and their impact on your toll rates by contacting Eurowag’s 24/7 customer care service today.
