Association BLV-pro with Action on the Impact of the Toll Increase

The Federal Association of Logistics & Transport (BLV-pro) e.V. urgently warns of the devastating effects of the planned toll increase of 83% starting December 1, 2023. The situation in the transport and logistics industry is becoming increasingly dire, and the consequences of this measure are catastrophic. Under the leadership of Chairman Konstantin Popov and Spokesman Thomas Hansche, BLV-pro e.V. is determined to advocate for a reconsideration of this drastic toll increase.

The looming hyperinflation starting December 1, 2023 poses a serious threat to the entire economy. Medium-sized companies in the transport and logistics sector are particularly affected. The drastic additional costs from the toll increase will drive many of these companies into insolvency, endangering not only jobs but also the supply security for the entire population.

Chairman Konstantin Popov emphasizes: “We are facing an existential threat to our industry and the economy as a whole. The planned toll increase will not only trigger insolvencies but also lead to further price increases that will affect every citizen. The public must understand that this measure jeopardizes our supply infrastructure.”

Spokesman Thomas Hansche adds: “It is crucial that the revenues from the toll are used appropriately for road construction and not misappropriated for the renovation of the railway. We urgently appeal to politics to reconsider this toll increase and to take into account the economic consequences for our industry and the population.” Board member Daniel Beständig pragmatically expresses his concerns regarding the toll increase: “Just one number: 335,000 euros. That is the additional cost from the toll increase that will arise alone in our company per year (with the same mileage)! Whether every company can still afford to pre-finance the toll costs is questionable. The planned increase in truck tolls will lead to an increase in the already high cost of living. Ultimately, this will be paid by each of us END CONSUMERS.”

The secretary of the board of BLV-pro e.V., Bärbel Karnik, criticizes: “On the one hand, the logistics industry is used as cash cows by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection and the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure, and on the other hand, no intact infrastructure is provided despite immense toll payments. Dilapidated bridges and desolate road systems, lack of rest and parking areas are everyday occurrences in Germany. Additionally, the completely exaggerated costs for the driving personnel when using sanitary facilities. Under these circumstances, politics must be made clear that we are not cash cows and reject any misappropriation & increase of the toll.” Board member Markus Brandt adds: ”

Already over 10,000 supporters of the petition on Change.org

We are in energy trading for end customers, industry, commerce, and agriculture. It is not only about the toll increase that we have to pass on; fuel will also become more expensive, maintenance and spare parts, tires that need to be priced in. Furthermore, the CO2 increase will come in the new year as well. Again, prices that need to be increased. At the end of March 2024, the VAT will increase from the current 7 percent back to 19 percent for heating energy. In our estimation, the economy will collapse, as the costs are no longer bearable.
Under the leadership of the BKF representative in BLV-pro e.V., Ralf Kalabis, a petition has been launched on Change.org at:

https://www.change.org/p/stopp-keine-mauterh%C3%B6hung

a petition that now has almost 10,000 supporters. The title of the petition is: Stop!!! No toll increase.

Politics is called upon to stop the planned toll increase

BLV-pro e.V. calls on politics to stop and reconsider the planned toll increase. The association demands a joint effort to mitigate the looming hyperinflation and prevent insolvencies in the transport and logistics industry. BLV-pro is an association of small and medium-sized enterprises and professional drivers from the freight transport sector. According to its own statements, the association advocates for fair competitive conditions within the transport and logistics industry.

Photo: © BLV-pro