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On Tuesday, the negotiators of the European Parliament and the Council reached a preliminary agreement on a significant reduction of road usage fees for low-emission trucks and buses. The agreement provides for a reduction of up to 75% by June 30, 2031. This measure aims to align the existing EU rules on road usage fees with the new CO₂ emission targets that will come into effect next month.
New fee model for low-emission vehicles
The agreement allows EU countries to significantly lower toll fees for low-emission vehicles. The background is that the introduction of zero-emission commercial vehicles is progressing more slowly than originally expected. According to the agreement, countries that already offer toll exemptions for zero-emission vehicles have the option to reduce fees for low-emission vehicles by up to 75% by June 30, 2031. From July 2031, the reduction can be maintained at 50%. Zero-emission trucks and buses can be exempted from all road usage and infrastructure fees until this date and will benefit from the mentioned toll reduction thereafter.
Inclusion of trailers in the discussion
The negotiators also recognized the importance of efficient trailers that can contribute to reducing the CO₂ emissions of conventional vehicles and increase their range. However, a final decision on the inclusion of the impact of trailers in the road usage fees has been postponed. This will only occur after an assessment by the European Commission, which is expected to be completed by June 30, 2029.
Matteo Ricci, the Parliament’s rapporteur for the S&D group, commented on the agreement, calling it „a balanced step towards a more transparent and effective system of road usage fees.“ He emphasized that the polluter pays principle remains at the core of the revision while providing EU countries with the necessary flexibility to adapt the CO₂ emission classification for heavy commercial vehicles to the actual conditions of the transport sector.
Outlook on the next steps
The preliminary agreement now needs to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council. The existing EU regulations on road usage fees, as outlined in the Eurovignette Directive, do not obligate member states to charge fees for the use of their roads. However, if they choose to do so, they must adhere to the principles set out in the directive. The exemption from road usage fees for zero-emission and low-emission trucks and buses remains optional.
