Since the amendment of the Eurovignette Directive in 2022, CO2 criteria must also be taken into account for the first time when setting truck toll rates. For low-emission commercial vehicles, a general toll exemption may be provided for until 31 December 2025. The Commission’s current proposal now provides for the possibility of extending this exemption until 1 July 2031. This is intended to help commercial vehicle manufacturers switch to zero-emission drives.

AK rejects the Commission’s proposal as it does not create a predictable framework that ensures the operation and maintenance of motorway infrastructure while providing incentives for the purchase of zero-emission commercial vehicles. Also tolls for heavy zero-emission trucks must cover the costs of using the road infrastructure. These vehicles should be favoured over fossil-fuel-powered vehicles by means of toll surcharges for external CO2 costs. Furthermore, the proposal must be adopted in an ordinary EU legislative procedure.