The Netherlands has introduced a truck toll, with Dutch and foreign lorries subject to a pay-per-kilometre levy for using the country’s road network.
The truck toll applies to almost all Dutch motorways and a number of provincial and municipal roads.
At the same time, the country has scrapped the Eurovignette and fixed charges for trucks have been reduced.
The Dutch ministry of infrastructure said the toll is recorded using an onboard unit, which must be linked to a contract with a toll service provider.
During the first six months of the toll’s operation, fines for non-compliance will be reduced by 50%. Truck operators who fail to meet the legal requirements may receive a fine.
Minister Vincent Karremans said: “Today is the day we have been working towards. After years of preparation, the Dutch truck toll is now in operation.
“The vast majority of the revenue generated by the truck toll will be reinvested in the road transport sector.
“By reinvesting these revenues in the sector, the sector can accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.
“This not only creates a strong business case for transport operators and improves air quality by reducing CO₂ emissions, but recent developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz have also shown how important it is to become less dependent on energy imports.
“This measure contributes to that objective as well.”
