EU's Belgian presidency resurrects Euro-wide road-charging directive
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patric.cunnanefarbi.co.uk THE EUROVIGNETTE Directive, which proposes charging HGVs a pollution tax for use of major roads, is back on the agenda now that Belgium has taken over the six-month rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.
Belgian transport minister Etienne Schoupppe told the European Parliament's (EP) Transport Committee that he wanted a framework agreement for implementation of the directive. Proposals arc likely to emerge 3 before the EP returns from its summer recess in September.
a; The current draft directive was Le proposed by the European Corn mission in 2008 in line with its principle of 'polluter pays'.
As well as the pollution charge, it proposes a congestion charge during peak hours, so long as this also applies to cars. It supersedes a 2006 directive that included derogations allowing members to opt out of tolling vehicles of less than 12 tonnes. Belgium took over the pies cy on I July following Spain, I had not prioritised the Eurc ette Directive during its term MEPs have made it clear want the money raised fror directive to be earmarkec improving transport infrastru "The idea is not to fill nai treasure chests," one MEP to Transport Committee.
Schouppe said all types of port had their advantages an advantages and no sector shol boosted at the expense of an "Inland waterways are very rail transport is less flexible road transport, and road trar has a competitive edge beca is so flexible." he explained.