2023-09-02 11:00:18
Goods transport industry spokesman Markus Fischer: “Increasing the toll rates also fuels inflation”
Vienna (OTS) – “Austria already has the highest toll rates for trucks in the EU. Now the implementation of the new EU infrastructure costs directive should lead to additional toll increases.”says Markus Fischer, chairman of the freight transport association in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ). “A toll increase of 7.4 percent next year or 12.1 percent in 2025 does not add any value for the environment, but only fuels the current rise in inflation and is therefore unacceptable”he clarifies.
But it is also clear to him: “We transport companies are not per se opposed to a modern toll system that also takes CO2 emissions into account. However, this is subject to the condition that companies actually have the opportunity to switch to emission-free vehicles and that the tariffs as a whole do not continue to rise.”
No steering effect, low availability of the corresponding vehicles on the market, lack of refueling and charging infrastructure
According to industry expert Fischer, it should not be forgotten that CO2 pricing came into force in October 2022, which has since contributed significantly to the increase in the price of fuel. “Currently, a CO2 surcharge, as provided for in the current draft law, only leads to additional income for the road maintenance company. There is no opportunity for companies to switch to zero-emission vehicles. The relocation or steering effect desired by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection fizzles out.”
In addition, vehicles with electric or hydrogen drives for toll-relevant classic long-distance transport are currently hardly available on the market, or only in small quantities. “Moreover, hydrogen-powered trucks are up to four times more expensive and electric trucks up to three and a half times more expensive than heavy-duty commercial vehicles with combustion engines.”, according to Association Chairman Markus Fischer. Targeted funding for the purchase of these vehicles is therefore required to compensate for the additional costs for entrepreneurs in the field of goods transport. In addition, there is also a lack of a nationwide fueling and charging infrastructure. (PWK272/JHR)
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