For whom the Belgian tolls
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN Belgium plans to introduce a motorway toll sticker for all domestic and foreign vehicles using the country's motorways from 1 January next year.
The move, designed to boost government revenue, will force lorries to pay £16.50 a year and cars £8.50 to use the network. The International Road Transport Union says the move contravenes free trade agreements and jeopardises the creation of fiscal harmony in Europe.
The IRTU is lobbying the Belgian parliament in an attempt to prevent the toll being levied on foreign HGVs and coaches.
In Britain, the Road Haulage Association has written to Transport Secretary Paul Channon asking him to press the Belgian government to scrap the move. The RHA says the toll would add to the cost of moving goods generally, and specifically would increase costs for British international hauliers. The Belgian move on tolls follows the recent action by the Swiss against foreign hauliers.