EC slams Brenner toll
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• The European Commission is suing Austria over the HGV tolls it has imposed on the Brenner motorway. EU Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock (pictured below) calls them "discriminatory".
In 1995, Austria doubled the charge for crossing the Alps through the Brenner pass to 1,000 Austrian Schillings (£50). Last year, a further 50% hike was announced.
It only applies to the heaviest vehicles travelling the entire length of the Brenner motorway, most of which are nonAustrian-registered HGVs in transit. Tolls for smaller vehicles and shorter sections of the motor way, where local traffic dominates, remain unchanged.
"The Commission sympathises with Austria's concern to protect the environment," says Kinnock. But he adds that "the remedy lies in united action" al all EU member states.
"Several hauliers and organi sations have complained to the Commission over the Brenner tolls," said an EC spokesman.
If the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg rules in its favour, the Commission will be entitled tc impose fines or the Austriar state. HaulierE may also be enti.
tled to seek redress through the Austrian court system.