Tolling Heavy Goods Vehicles: Overview of European Practice and Lessons from German Experience

• Published in: Transportation research record 2008-01, Vol.2066 (1), p.106-113
• Main Authors: Broaddus, Andrea, Gertz, Carsten
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0361-1981; 2169-4052
• DOI: 10.3141/2066-12

Growing road network needs, rapidly increasing truck traffic, and the shortfall of traditional funding sources have contributed to two important trends in Europe: increased reliance on user fees and involvement of private capital in transport infrastructure through public–private partnerships. Since 1995 more than 20 European countries have instituted tolls on heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using national roadways. The motivations are several: expanding sources of revenue beyond the gas tax, managing demand for road space, encouraging efficient operations, leveling the tax burden on haulers registered in different countries, and reducing CO2 emissions. This paper first provides a brief overview of various toll systems in use, then focuses on the German experience as a potential model for the United States. The innovative German system combines a Global Positioning System onboard unit with mobile communications technology. In its launch year, 2005, Germany collected €2.87 billion for 23.9 billion vehicle kilometers (35% by foreign trucks) tolled an average of €.12/km for autobahn use. Support of the German trucking industry was achieved through measures to increase competitiveness with foreign shippers. The toll system's first 2 years of operation indicate that avoidance traffic is a minor issue, that potential for modal shift to rail has yet to be realized, and that subsidies for clean vehicle purchase have helped reduce the pollution of the German HGV fleet.