The European Parliament has approved its first-reading position on amending the rules that link road charges for heavy vehicles to their CO2 emissions, in a plenary vote in Strasbourg on Wednesday. The text was adopted with 475 votes in favour, 96 against and 70 abstentions, CNA reports.
What the text covers
The legislative text concerns the classification of heavy vehicles into CO2 emissions categories and the setting of user charges and infrastructure charges. The changes aim to clarify and simplify the existing rules, which provide for different charges for certain vehicles depending on their emissions, in line with the "polluter pays" and "user pays" principles.
Under the text, Member States will have to be allowed at least 12 months to apply differentiated road charges to new vehicle subcategories after the relevant CO2 emissions reference values are published.
Revised emissions reduction target
The Directive also revises the emissions reduction trajectory used to classify heavy vehicles. A 30% reduction target is set for the years up to and including 2030. Vehicles already classified in categories 1 or 2 on the basis of a 43% reduction target will have to be reclassified according to the 30% target.
Reductions for zero- and low-emission vehicles
Until 30 June 2031, Member States may provide reduced charges or exemptions from infrastructure and user charges for zero-emission vehicles. During the same period, they may also grant reductions to low-emission vehicles, subject to conditions.
From 1 July 2031, the reduction for zero-emission vehicles may be up to 75% compared with the charge for emissions category 1. For low-emission vehicles, the reduction may be up to 50%, provided a larger reduction is applied to zero-emission vehicles.
Retrofitted vehicles
The text also covers zero-emission vehicles retrofitted with a fuel engine that generates electricity or contributes to the vehicle's propulsion. These vehicles will no longer be able to benefit from the reduced charges for emissions category 5 and will instead be subject to the charges for category 1.
Dual-fuel vehicles
Special provisions are set out for dual-fuel vehicles registered before 1 January 2024. With the Commission's approval, manufacturers may use a simulation tool to determine CO2 emissions. Member States will have to accept the results if they are sent directly by the manufacturer in digital form.
Assessment of trailer tolls
For trailers, the Commission is called on to assess, by 30 June 2029, options that would allow Member States to differentiate tolls according to trailer characteristics. The assessment will take into account, among other factors, available technologies, energy savings, administrative costs and cost-effectiveness. Based on its findings, the Commission may submit a legislative proposal where appropriate.
Implementation deadlines
Member States will have to adopt the necessary legislative, regulatory and administrative provisions by 31 December 2027. Some of the measures will apply from 1 January 2028.
