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Delayed autobahn toll is on track for 2 November
Page 5
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• The German government says payment equipment for its controversial new HGV road user charge will now be ready by November after postponing the launch by two months.
Trade groups still fear chaos from the scheme, which involves charging hauliers around 14p/mile instead of the current time-based charging system.
But Michael Zirtel, spokesman for Germany's Ministry of Transport, says 450,000 on-board payment units (OBUs) will be ready for the new 2 November launch date, even though only 300,000 have been requested by hauliers.
"There will be enough. We want to be sure that the technology works and all those who want the units can have one from the start."
The Freight Transport Association says it remains "extremely concerned" and believes a longer delay is necessary to ensure adequate supplies.
Roger King, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, says: "Even if the units were available, there is not one single appointed fitting agent in the UK. And so far, there's no indication as to whether there will ever be one."
However, Zirtel says details of where to buy OBUs are available on the toll website (www.tollcollect.de).
He also plays down the significance of the European Commission investigation into claims that it discriminates against foreign hauliers (CM 31 July-6 Aug). He says his government wants to compensate all drivers by giving toil discounts based on receipts for fuel bought in Germany; alternatively, it will reduce vehicle excise duty to the lowest level permitted by the EC.