On 1 January 2024, the truck toll for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes is to increase. In this way, the traffic light coalition wants to accelerate work on the motorway network and at the same time financially support the expansion of the railway infrastructure.
The toll for large vehicles is to increase substantially. This was decided by the traffic light government on 29 March as part of the "Modernisation Package for Climate Protection and Acceleration of Planning". According to the plan published in the paper, the modernisation package is intended to pick up the pace in the "implementation of transport infrastructure projects" - and bring Germany closer to the transport development necessary for the transport turnaround. Above all, the creation of a modern and efficient rail network is of central importance. For although 144 motorway and federal road projects also find room in the government plan, railway work should be given priority.
In both sectors, however, the provision of sufficient funds is necessary to finance so many construction sites. This is precisely why Germany has decided to extend the truck toll to vehicles weighing 3.5 tonnes or more. Indeed, from January 2024, trucks will no longer be subject to tolls only from 7.5 tonnes. In addition, a stronger pricing of CO2 emissions, with an expected surcharge of 200 euros per tonne of CO2, will also be introduced. The measure also aims to indirectly promote alternative and greener forms of propulsion. As zero-emission trucks are to be exempt from the infrastructure charge until the end of 2025, after which they will pay only 25 percent of the regular rate. The additional revenue from the toll increase - and at least 80 percent of the resources collected through this - is then to be channelled into modernising and expanding the rail sector.
Reactions to the government's decision have been mixed so far. Deutsche Bahn and numerous environmental associations such as BUND welcome the development opportunity for the railway sector with hope. "Now the conditions are in place to consistently modernise and digitalise our outdated and failure-prone rail infrastructure." - applauds Deutsche Bahn boss Richard Lutz. The logistics industry, on the other hand, is dissatisfied, as it will have to reckon with higher tolls. It could even lead to insolvencies for medium-sized clients and transport companies, because they would have a hard time meeting the rising costs - explains BGL board spokesman Engelhardt.
The traffic light plan is therefore far from satisfying all parties involved. However, it is a first step towards gathering the necessary resources and enabling the development of a railway system that can support the future of the transport industry and the mobility needs of citizens at the same time. One of the most important items on the government's agenda on the road to transport transformation. What will now be the next step for Germany? Will the principle of CO2-dependent pricing be extended to other areas, such as environmental zones?