Impact van tolheffingen en milieuzones op wegtransportkosten in Europa (2024–2026)

Current Situation: Toll and Kilometer Charges in Europe

Europe has many toll and charging systems for freight traffic. For example, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Sweden require a mandatory Eurovignette for trucks 12 tons. Germany has been charging distance-based tolls on all main roads for HGVs >7.5 tons since December 1, 2023, with rates varying by CO₂ emissions (e.g., 0.348€/km for an 18t EuroVI tractor, +83% compared to 0.19€/km). Belgium has had a kilometer charge (Viapass) since 2021 for all trucks >3.5 tons; the rate depends on weight and EURO emission class (electric trucks even pay 0 €/km in Flanders/Brussels). Furthermore, there are electronic toll systems for trucks in Austria (GO-Box), Switzerland (HGV vignette + toll per ton-meter), Czech Republic (e-Myto), Poland (viaToll), Slovakia (e-Toll), Hungary (GO), Slovenia (DarsGo) and many other countries. France, Italy, Spain and Portugal also have tolls on highways via barriers (barrier toll, approx. €0.05-0.20/km). The Netherlands still uses the Eurovignette until 2026, after which it will introduce its own truck toll.

Here are some examples of current rates and rules:

• Netherlands, Luxembourg, Sweden: Eurovignette mandatory for trucks >12t. From 2026, NL will have its own kilometer charge (highways and some major roads).

• Germany: Maut for >7.5t, since Dec. 2023 rates based on CO₂ class; a typical 18t Euro VI diesel truck now pays €0.348/km (vs €0.19/km previously).

• Belgium: Single kilometer system since 2021; rate (approx. 15-27 cents/km) increases with weight and Euro class. ZEV trucks are currently exempt (0 cents) in Flanders/Brussels.

• Other countries: Austria has electronic GO vignettes (freight >3.5t); Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia use built-in toll units; France/Italy/Spain apply highway kilometer tolls per route. Denmark only charges on Øresund bridge etc.

Besides national tolls, many urban areas enforce environmental zones (LEZ). Major cities in Germany, France, Italy, Benelux, UK, Scandinavia, etc. refuse older diesel trucks. In the Netherlands, environmental zones already apply on urban routes, and by 2025, 29 cities will be transformed into zero-emission zones. In Stockholm, environmental zone class 3 is expanding (allowing almost only electric trucks). Experts estimate that there are over 300 LEZs active in Europe. These zones often force companies to replace their old diesels or reroute.

Cost Impact for Road Transport

The new charges directly translate into higher transport costs. In Germany, the emission-based toll leads to ~80% higher toll rates for trucks. The kilometer price for a typical 5-axle Euro VI truck increased from 0.19 to 0.348 euros. According to the IRU, this means approximately €6,700 extra per truck per year in toll costs, which are typically passed on to customers. Rates are rising sharply elsewhere too: the IRU reports that year-on-year toll rates between January 2024 and 2025 vary from +1.8% in Italy to +41% in Slovakia

As a result, both contract and spot prices for freight transport are increasing. Transport organizations warn that environmental measures mean additional burdens. “An environmental zone means that vehicles must be adapted or replaced prematurely. This leads to high costs for businesses according to Transport en Logistiek Nederland (TLN). Particularly in urban distribution, the cost price is growing due to stricter emission requirements, fines, and (incomplete) refueling of more expensive fuels.

Developments towards 2026

Europe will further tighten regulations in the coming years. The amended Eurovignette directive requires toll rates to be based partly on CO₂ emissions from 2024, and from 2026 also on external costs (air pollution and noise). Germany (Dec. 2023) and Austria (Jan. 2024) were pioneers in CO₂ tolls; Poland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, and Bulgaria must adapt their systems by March 2024. By 2026, approximately 17 EU countries are expected to have emission-differentiated toll systems for trucks (accounting for ~62% of EU freight kilometers). Although France announced CO₂-related tolls, these won’t be implemented until existing concessions expire around 2031.

In the Netherlands, the truck toll will be introduced on July 1, 2026. The average rate is approx. €0.186/km (2025 price level). Electric trucks receive a substantial discount: from 2026 they will pay only €0.034-0.038/km compared to €0.156-0.195/km for comparable Euro VI diesel trucks. This amounts to an advantage of approx. 12-15 cents/km for a 100% zero-emission truck. Belgium also extended the exemption for zero-emission trucks in Flanders/Brussels.

Furthermore, EU society is pushing for stronger climate taxation. By 2027, the new ETS2 for buildings and transport must be operational. Through this CO₂ emission trading, petrol and diesel will receive an additional price. This will further drive up operational costs per kilometer of fuel. Finally, many cities are announcing zero-emission zones; in the Netherlands, 29 cities will have such zones between 2025 and 2030, with similar plans abroad. CO₂ charges and stricter ambitions are also being discussed at the European level.

Implications for Carriers and Shippers

Due to these developments, transporters and shippers must adapt their strategy. Many companies are now investing in more efficient or electric trucks, as this reduces the total cost per kilometer (toll + fuel). Volvo’s long-haul manager Ylva Dalerstedt notes: “How you specify your truck – paying attention to trailer or engine technology and weight – to reduce fuel consumption/CO₂ will make a big difference in the cost picture”. In other words: smart vehicle choice and lightweight equipment can partially compensate for the sky-high toll costs.

Additionally, carriers will try to save costs by bundling loads and optimizing routes. Sometimes this means taking longer routes to avoid (more expensive) toll systems, or using hinterland connections (train/inland vessel) where possible. Supply chain collaboration helps: joint distribution centers and multi-client loads can reduce the number of trips. Digital tools (OBUs, route planning) are crucial for real-time trip adjustments and minimizing toll obligations.

Financial strategies also play a role. Analyses show that many carriers are asking higher rates or increasing contract prices to pass on the additional toll and energy costs. According to the IRU, companies are responding by expanding capacity and accelerating the transition to cleaner trucks. However, this requires market insight and flexibility: investments in charging/refueling infrastructure are still limited, and sometimes market demand is hesitant. Experts warn that public support remains necessary: «Europe must reinforce its logistics foundations», with smart infrastructure, cross-border agreements, and consistent policy.

In summary, road transport will face higher usage costs in the coming years due to tolls and environmental zones. Road tolls and environmental zones in Europe have had a major impact on road transport and will continue to do so towards 2026. Carriers will pass these extra charges on to shippers and end customers, while also critically examining new (green) solutions. It’s a challenge that requires substantial investments and adjustments but also drives the transition to sustainable logistics.

Sources: Analysis based on European transport statistics and proposals, current industry publications (TLN, IRU, transport press) and interviews/quotes from the sector. Each claim is supported by data or expert statements where possible.