MEP clashes with rail bosses over EU truck tolls

Finnish deputy Ari Vatanen has clashed with rail infrastructure bosses over EU plans to charge trucks for the impact they have on the environment.

The so-called Eurovignette directive would give member states the right to impose toll and congestion charges on HGVs.

The aim is to tackle congestion on Europe's roads and encourage a shift to other forms of transport.

A conference in Brussels on Wednesday was told the proposal would "more accurately" reflect the social and environmental impact of trucks using the continent's roads.

The event, organised by the European rail infrastructure managers (EIM) heard that, at present, member states are legally prevented by EU rules from charging trucks the "true" costs of their environmental impact.

"This distorts competition in the transport sector as other modes, such as rail, can already be charged for their external costs.

"This puts road in a uniquely privileged position while discouraging shift from road to rail," said EIM president Bert Klerk, who is also the CEO of ProRail.

But Vatanen, a former world champion rally driver, says that it is wrong to consider imposing extra costs on the ailing transport sector at a time of worldwide economic crisis. "This is not the right time to impose taxes on trucks," he said.

MEPs are due to vote on the directive in Strasbourg next week (10 March) and Vatanen wants the vote postponed.

He is particularly critical of the directive, saying, "It lacks adequate scientific assessment and a sound cost analysis. It unfairly targets road transport without proposing any alternative forward-looking proposal.

"Adding unnecessary burdens at this crucial moment would counteract efforts made all over Europe to refloat the economies."

The MEP, who chairs the mobility for prosperity in Europe group, called for further examination of the directive, saying this would offer MEPs more time for reflection while sending a "positive and strong message in the present troubled times".

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