De weg naar duurzaamheid: De Europese emissie-uitdaging in de transportsector

With the ongoing changes to Germany's truck toll system, it's easy to get lost in the many alterations and regulations. Almost of local truck journeys, covering roughly 200 kilometres, are already on toll roads highlighting the impact German tolls have on fleet expenditure. With the rise in toll rates, these new changes are hitting fleet companies hard. Changes to the toll in 2023 and 2024 resulted from the German government supporting The Toll Amendment Act, which adopts the following:• New toll rates• The introduction of CO2 emissions tolls• Removing toll exemption for natural gas vehicles• Extending the toll to vehicles with a permissible total weight of over 3.5 tonnes.Toll rates rose at the beginning of 2023. Three factors were decisive:• Number of axles• Emissions class• Permissible total weight of the vehicle combination.December saw the introduction of CO2 emission classes as a new tariff criterion. Calculated on a surcharge of 200 euros per tonne of CO2 emissions this is levied on all vehicles with a permissible total weight of over 7.5 tonnes. Individual surcharge amounts, in addition to the current toll, depend on emission class.• Class 1 HGVs with the highest CO2 emissions and, therefore, the highest possible surcharge. , which collects truck tolls in Germany, classifies all registered vehicles in this emission class fleet operators must contact them to apply for a better classification if eligible.• Classes 2 and 3 Both classes are assigned when entering vehicle details into the TollCollect portal.• Class 4 Low-emission trucks, for example, natural gas vehicles.• Class 5 Zero-emission trucks.On the 1st of January 2024, the toll exemption for vehicles powered by natural gas was no longer applicable.Tolls will be due for all vehicles with a technically permissible total weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. There are a few exemptions to this new change:• Emission-free vehicles with a technically permissible total weight of more than 4.25 tonnes.• Emission-free heavy commercial vehicles This exemption is effective until late December 2025.• Vehicles used by trade businesses Applicable for vehicles with a total weight of less than 7.5 tonnes.Before the 1st of July, you will need to check whether your vehicles are subject to toll, and if they are, how you want to pay the toll.• Check part one of the vehicle registration certificate in field F1. If your vehicle has a Technically Permissible Maximum Laden Mass (TPMLM) of more than 3.5 tonnes, you are subject to paying the toll. HGVs with a TPMLM of exactly 3.5 tonnes or less will not be subject to toll charges.• Vehicle combinations if the towing vehicle has a TPMLM of over 3.5 tonnes, you are subject to toll. A combination with a TPMLM over 3.5 tonnes will not be subject to toll charges if the towing vehicle has a TPMLM of 3.5 tonnes or under.• Vehicle toll requirements apply to vehicles intended or used for road haulage.• Trade businesses are from tolls under certain conditions.The most convenient way to pay is with an onboard unit (OBU) provided by Toll Collect, European Electronic Toll Service (EETS) providers, or their sales partners.Paying with an OBU requires registering with Toll Collect and arranging an installation appointment after installation, set the weight as "<7.5 tonnes". With an OBU, the automatic collection will occur on motorways and federal roads from the 1st of July, 2024.Alternatively, you can pay the toll on the Toll Collect or via their before starting your journey.To be eligible for the craftsperson exemption, the following applies:• Only employees of the trade business can drive the vehicle.• The materials, equipment, or machines transported must be necessary to carry out the services and work of the trade business.• The handcrafted goods transported must be produced, processed, or repaired in the tradesperson's business.You can register your trade vehicles online at . Trade businesses can discover more information about the exceptions on Toll Collect's page.There are commercial truck bans on driving during certain times to reduce traffic and keep roads safe. The ban is applicable on Sundays, meaning truck drivers with a truck weighing over 7.5 tonnes cannot move it from 12 am to 10 pm. In addition, there is also a driving ban on the following public holidays:• New Year's Day 1st of January• Good Friday 18th of April• Easter Monday 21st of April• Labour Day 1st of May• Ascension Day 29th of May• Whitsun 8th of June• German Unification Day 3rd of October• Christmas and Boxing Day 25th & 26th of DecemberDuring the main holiday period, from the 1st of July to the 31st of August, the truck driving ban applies on Saturdays, meaning truck drivers are not allowed to drive between 7 am and 8 pm when there is a high frequency of vehicles on the roads.

At the start of October, the Government announced its plan to scrap HS2 and redirect funding to improve the country's transport infrastructure – a project known as Network North. The project will provide £36 billion to improve major roads that have become a bone of contention for drivers. The announcement surprised many, but what does it mean for the truck drivers who are endlessly traversing across these roads? The Government will increase funding for most existing Major Road Network and Large Local Major road schemes. These schemes will go from an 85% to a 100% contribution to ensure they are delivered. A list of the is available on . Extra funding for these schemes will improve road efficiency throughout the country. The strategic road network scheme aims to reduce congestion and ensure smoother journeys for those using the roads frequently. A welcome advancement for truck drivers where sitting in standstill traffic has become the norm. • M6 Junction 15 As one of the busiest sections of road in the UK and used by over vehicles per day, it has long suffered from heavy congestion and unpredictable journey times. The tight corners on the slip road have proven challenging for truck drivers causing overturns and increased traffic delays. The changes promised should reduce congestion and improve the safety of the junction. • Two Manchester North West Quadrant projects The M60 sees journeys daily from commuters and long-distance drivers. The Northwest Quadrant projects will aim to bypass J12-J18 and remodel junctions 12, 13, and 14. Other additions, such as a link road to the A57 and capacity improvements to junctions nine, ten, seventeen, and eighteen, will improve congestion and journey times. • A1 between Morpeth and Ellingham The 12.8-mile stretch has been plagued by development delays since its proposal. However, the Network North project aims to get development underway by widening the stretch of road improving journey time, safety, and resiliency. • A5 between Hinckley and Tamworth pinch points Although further details are yet to be released, it's been suggested that congestion relief will be prominent in their plans. • A50/A500 corridor improvements between Stoke and Derby With average rush hour speeds below 20mph, this route has proven slow and unreliable for truck drivers and commuters. The Network North scheme is likely to: • Generate new jobs by 2061 • See a population increase in the area by 2061 • See a increase in GVA (gross value added) over the next 60 years. • A2 Brenley Corner Known as Kent's most congested junction, Network North promises to invest in this area fantastic news for truck drivers traveling to Dover. Further details regarding development plans are yet to be released. However, plans to improve Brenley Corner have been discussed since 2021. • A75 improvements between Gretna and Stranraer The A57 is in dire need of dualling as currently, truck drivers are restricted to a 40mph speed limit causing tailbacks and long delays. As a crucial ferry link between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, truck drivers who use this link will benefit heavily from the project. An improved road infrastructure will alleviate congestion, saving truck drivers valuable time and fuel expenses contributing to faster delivery times. The Network North scheme looks to improve the lives of truck drivers and other road users by increasing safety and enhancing efficiency. According to a report by , from 2007-2021, the average pass rate for a HGV practical test was around 50%. Data from shows in 2022-2023, 75.9% of men in the UK passed their LGV test compared to 75.9% of women who passed. As with any profession, some aspects are stressful. Long hours away from loved ones can cause loneliness and isolation among many drivers. Additionally, truck driving is a high-pressure job at times with tight delivery deadlines and navigating through unpredictable weather conditions.