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Euro road ta ikes running costs

24th June 1993, Page 6
24th June 1993
Page 6
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Page 6, 24th June 1993 — Euro road ta ikes running costs
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by Nicky Clarke • UK operators will have to pay up to ..C1,000 a year for every 38tonner they run into Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and Denmark.

The charges, which will come into force in 1995, are designed to harmonise road taxes across Europe. They were set at an emergency meeting of EC transport ministers over the weekend.

France, Italy and Spain already charge hauliers to use their roads via motorway tolls.

The decision has removed the final major barrier to cabotage: from 1998 hauliers from one member state will be free to pick up and deliver goods in any other state.

In the run up to full cabotage the EC's quota of monthly c,alxirage permits will rise from 18,500 to 30,000 next year, and by 30% annually until 1998.

The issue of cabotage has been linked to fiscal harmonisation in an attempt to create fairer corn petition in the EC transport market. It is also designed to reduce empty running in member states—estimated at 30% of all journeys— which should ease congestion.

Vehicles with three or fewer axles, or those which weigh less than 12 tonnes, will be charged up to ECU750 (4586) for travelling through any of the five countries.

Hauliers will buy either yearly, monthly, weekly or daily vignettes (windscreen stickers) from Department of Transport offices or possibly trade associations.

The money collected via this system will be paid back to the five countries. Germany will receive 73% of revenue; Belgium 13%; the Netherlands 9%; Denmark 4% and Luxemburg 1%.

The new tax, which completes liberalisation of transport in the Single Market, has provoked strong criticism from the industry. Queenborough-based David Croome. whose company makes 70 trips a month to Germany, says the tax will cost him £24,000 a year: "It's yet another tax on the international operator," he says. "Customs duty is 70% of the cost of fuel in the IN we pay motorway tolls in France, Italy and Spain. It costs us £400 for one vehicle to do one round trip to Italy—the road haulage industry is already heavily taxed."

The Freight Transport Association says it will be "banging on the UK Government's door to ask for VED rebates for UK operators who are paying for the vignette".

The Road Haulage Associat ion is also unhappy with the meet

ing's results. Director-general Bryan Colley says: "We deplore the fact that yet again hauliers have been had—especially when Germany wants to put the proceeds towards their rail development."

He adds: "Transport is being taxed by yet another form and this will hit the competitiveness of EC transport while having a knock-on effect on the cost of living."

Lancashire-based Walmersby Transport says it is "in deep trouble" after being refused Austrian permits. The company sends trucks there once a week under a contract with an Austrian company.

The International Road Freight Office at Newcastle-upon-Tyne says the UK's quota of terminating permits for Austria has run out and it is trying to negotiate for more.

For further details contact the International Road Freight Office on 091-201 4090.


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