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Additional burden: the Austrian transport industry fears a significant increase in costs

With the introduction of the CO2 tax in Germany, the transport industry is expecting an avalanche of costs. Austria also fears a significant increase in costs due to the new EU road toll directive (Eurovignette) and additional CO2 surcharges.

The EU road toll directive, which is the basis for changing the truck toll system, must be integrated into Austrian law by March 25, 2024.

In addition, there will be an automatic annual valorization of tolls in Austria, which will be sharply increased in any case, given the high inflation. Additional costs for CO2 emissions should be added to this.

Companies need predictability

According to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), the new system provided for in the EU Road Tolls Directive is very complex and at the same time leaves some room for maneuver for the national states.

For example, vehicles registered up to 3.5 tonnes were until now subject to the obligation to use a vignette. However, as a weight of up to 4.25 tonnes is often technically possible according to the type certificate, these vehicles will in future have to pay a lorry toll based on mileage.

Threat of double or multiple taxation

The Austrian transport industry is demanding restraint on CO2 spending.

In general, the industry calls for a moderate integration of the directive and, ultimately, not to increase the tax burden. Because Austria is already the country with the most expensive toll roads in the EU.

Toll rates are due to be fixed by November in the Federal Toll Act, which Austrian road company Asfinag will charge on autobahns and motorways from 2024.