If your trucking and transportation company does business in Europe, you have probably been faced with the challenge of dealing with various toll systems used by each country. Keeping track of the many different toll regulations and toll providers throughout Europe can be frustrating and confusing, especially if your drivers have to deal with them daily. However, with the help of Eurowag’s on-board unit (OBU), your business will be able to manage tolls in multiple countries, and handle payments in one user-friendly system. Before going into more detail about how Eurowag can manage the toll needs of your company, we should define tolls and discuss the various systems used in Europe.
Tolls are taxes that governments charge for using certain roads, bridges, and tunnels. These fees make it possible to construct and maintain existing roads and bridges in order to keep them in optimal conditions.
A toll system describes how tolls are collected in various countries for the use of toll roads, toll bridges, and toll tunnels, and they are classified into four different systems.
This is one of the latest methods of determining tolls. In this system, toll stations are equipped with an electronic device that can track and identify every vehicle that passes through toll roads, bridges, or tunnels. However, commercial trucks need an on-board unit (OBU) in order to be recorded by the recording device.
So, how does the free-flow system work? It calculates the distance covered by the toll truck based on the recorded passages and the type of vehicle, making it possible to calculate the amount to be paid automatically.
However, each country considers different factors before calculating the amount paid. For example, Germany considers the emission standards, axle load, and road type before calculating the toll fee, while other countries may have different methods of calculation.
In this system, the toll is paid when a driver passes through a fixed toll station, and is calculated by the distance traveled and the type of vehicle. Norway is one example of a country which employs an open toll system.
Vignette is another means for people to pay for the use of a road network. Depending on the country, vignette payments can be handled in multiple ways. Some countries issue a timed sticker that is placed on a vehicle’s windshield, and is valid for a certain period. Others use an electronic document to verify that the proper toll has been paid.
Keeping track of various stickers and electronic vignettes can be difficult and time consuming. However, Eurowag makes it easier for clients to order and manage multiple vignettes with one system. Visit our website to learn more about Europe’s various vignette requirements, and how to simplify the process.
Eurovignette is a shared electronic vignette system recognized in four European countries:
All vehicles weighing at least 12 tonnes must have a Eurovignette to drive on motorways and toll highways in these countries. The fee is assessed on a vehicle based on emission class, number of axles, and validatory period, with all necessary information recorded electronically.
Luxembourg has no toll requirements besides the use of a Eurovignette for heavy-goods vehicles and trucks with a weight of over 12 tonnes.
Denmark has three bridges which require payment of a separate toll, independent from the Eurovignette system. These are the Oresund Bridge, the Storebælt Bridge, and the Crown Princess Mary Bridge. Payment methods and rates for the use of each bridge can be found here.
In Sweden, all vehicles are also subject to an infrastructure tax for use of the Oresund, Motala, and Sundsvall bridges. In addition, a congestion tax is applied in Stockholm and Gothenburg during certain peak times.
In the Netherlands, a separate toll is charged for use of the Kiltunnel and Westerscheldetunnel. Each of these tunnels is independently owned and operated, and the Eurovignette is not accepted for payment of the applicable tolls.
EETS enables toll payments throughout the EU with a single contract, service provider, and on-board unit. By limiting cash transactions in toll stations and streamlining payment processes, EETS makes it easier for road users to do their daily business without interruption or delay at toll booths.
The fundamental requirements of the EETS are specified in Directive EU/2019/520. According to the directive, consumers should be able to pay tolls in all EETS domains in Europe if they have a contract with an approved EETS provider like Eurowag. The use of an EETS-certified on-board unit from Eurowag can simplify management of toll payments, boost business revenue, and ensure a better driving experience.
Various payment methods are available for European tolls. The most common methods include:
Failure to pay for the use of toll roads or tunnels throughout Europe can result in heavy fines or penalties, depending on the country where the toll is assessed. A separate fee may also be charged for late payment of any applicable tolls.
European emission standards aim to reduce harmful gasses such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide that vehicles emit into the atmosphere. Eco-friendly vehicles, or vehicles that meet high emission standards are typically assessed lower toll fees as a result.
Now that we know more about tolls in Europe let us get into more detail about them in various countries.
Germany assesses a toll for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes. Vehicles subject to tolls are categorized according to emission class (air and noise pollution), number of axles, and total weight.
Overall cost is determined by the distance a vehicle covers when it travels on toll roads, measured in kilometers. These distances are recorded with an OBU registered with Tollcollect. In addition, all vehicles are charged a toll for the use of the Warnow crossing and Herren tunnel.
In France, the use of toll roads for all vehicles with a weight of 3.5 tonnes and above require the use of an onboard unit (OBU) that complies with the French TIS PL system in order to avoid complicated toll payments. However, there are also various toll stations where manual payment is accepted.
Since the French toll network is controlled by numerous concessionaires, each with its own unique toll systems and cost structure, a Eurowag OBU is the perfect payment solution. The average price per toll will cost around 0.13 euros per kilometer, and the overall height, gross vehicle weight, and number of axles is used to categorize vehicles in France.
Tolls for trucks in Italy are determined by the distance covered and the number of axles of the truck. While there are different payment methods available.
The toll system in Poland is far more complicated than those in other European nations. This is because the level and nature of toll collecting differ significantly between state and private operators. For trucks, fees are often assessed on most toll roads based on the number of kilometers driven per OBU. They are categorized depending on factors like the number of axles and the truck's total weight; however, the prices per kilometer range from 0.023 to 0.33 euros.
Here are some of the benefits and services we offer to our clients.
Other services we provide include:
Eurowag has been a leading provider of truck toll services in Europe for over two decades. Our goal and ambition are to provide solutions that will benefit your transportation business. Contact us today to find out how our services can help you with all your trucking and transportation business needs.
