EU proposes to extend ‘zero tolls’ for ‘green’ trucks until 2031

Brussels – Moving forward with sustainable buses and trucks. More and more, in the name of the green economy and in line with an industrial agenda that, now more than ever, following the second von der Leyen Commission’s rethinking, needs to be kept on track. Hence, the proposal is to extend the exemption from tolls and user charges for zero-emission heavy goods vehicles for a further six years, until 31 December 2031.

The initiative, which aims to extend existing concessions, is part of a broader strategic dialogue on the automotive sector launched by the EU executive, followed by an industrial action plan in early March. Today’s proposal (27 June), explains the Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, “implements a specific action from this plan,” the one which aims to “increase the demand for zero-emission vehicles and accelerate the adoption of clean trucks.”

The proposal will now have to pass the scrutiny of the EU Parliament and Council, but Tzitzikostas has no doubts that the ‘green’ measure is such that both European co-legislators will support it. First of all, the proposal is consistent with the objectives that aim at a 43 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions by 2030, and, at the same time, it responds to the demands of business: “We need to create the right conditions to support European companies and reward those who move first in the transition to a low-carbon economy,” the European Commissioner emphasises. “By extending the exemption period,” he assures, “we offer a strong incentive for companies to invest in zero-emission vehicles and reduce emissions from road transport. It is important for our companies, but also for our climate goals”.