The government is still in office – and apparently Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler wants to leave her “green” signature on the last few meters. After suspending the increase in 2024, Gewessler plans a significant increase in truck tolls by up to 12.6 percent next year. The freight forwarders see their survival in jeopardy.
At almost 1.7 billion euros, heavy traffic already contributes a lot to toll revenues. The toll increase was suspended this year but is expected to fully increase in 2025. At 12.6 percent, the increase is clearly above inflation. In addition to the inflation rate, CO₂ emissions are also taken more into account. However, the CO₂ price will rise to 55 euros per tonne next year, which will make the fuel more expensive anyway.
Markus Fischer, spokesperson for transport companies at the Chamber of Commerce, attacks the Federal Minister: “Gewessler prefers to stick to their unrealistic ideology instead of guaranteeing security of supply.” There is no real need for the increase.
Because Asfinag does not urgently need the 200 million euros in additional income. “In fact, around 400 million euros less is spent on new construction and maintenance of highways,” Fischer emphasizes.
The toll for trucks is the highest in Austria
Truck tolls in Austria are already higher than in any other EU country, as one example shows: a 40-ton truck can travel 106 kilometers for 50 euros, only in Switzerland it is even more expensive; However, in Poland you are allowed to drive 572 kilometers, in Italy 334 kilometers.
The freight transport sector sees its survival in jeopardy. “The high tax burden threatens the survival and employment of the approximately 80,000 employees across the country,” says Fischer. In addition, transportation costs are reflected in the prices of many goods.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
