Eurovignette: realistic approach in Eurovignette revision. Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP

Heavy goods vehicles will be charged for the use of certain infrastructures, cost of noise and air pollution. Today, the European Parliament voted on this second reading agreement between the European Parliament and the Council in Strasbourg. Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP Group, Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP, welcomed the agreement: "The first step in implementing the 'polluter pays' principle has been taken by putting forward the right incentives to enhance the sustainability of the transport sector in Europe."

The EPP Group supported the overall compromise, since key issues of the EPP Group were taken into account in the second reading agreement. Corien Wortmann-Kool said: "There will be a clear and interoperable system in Europe and better earmarking of revenues with at least 15% initially being earmarked for trans-European transport projects. The Member States have to be transparent and report back to the EC about the level of toll revenues, and how they have invested the money."

There will be no additional congestion charges, this is replaced by a toll variation.

Mrs Wortmann-Kool continued: "Toll variations will be allowed up to 175%, with top tariffs during a maximum of 5 hours per day and lower tariffs applying the rest of the day. This will be applied on the same road section and should be revenue neutral. This will encourage heavy trucks to avoid certain road stretches during peak hours."

The proposed framework leaves it up to Member States to decide whether or not to opt for the common charging principles.

Report on the charging of heavy goods vehicles

For further information:
Corien Wortmann-Kool MEP,, Tel: +31-6-46357257
Françoise Verburg-Petit, EPP Group Press and Communications Service, Tel: +32-495-208613

Notes to Editors:
The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 264 Members.