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Current toll developments in Europe
In the future, vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will be subject to tolls in Germany
Tolls in Europe
Hardly anyone gets around road tolls anymore
Tolls are a much discussed and complex topic in Europe. But what does "toll" actually mean and where does the term come from?
The word is derived from the Greek word "telos" (tax ) and the underlying meaning of the term has not changed through the centuries: a toll means a fee collected for use of transportation routes (motorways, bridges, tunnels, roads). Whereas in the past these were simple road tolls, paid directly on site, nowadays there is a growing market behind them with numerous processes and a real industry around fee collection. Thus, it is not surprising that many would like a partner to help them find their way through the jungle of the requirements and specifications and/or provide support with fee processing.
Toll overview by country
Today, tolls are collected in almost every country in Europe for vehicles weighing more than the allowed total of 3.5 t. Light commercial vehicles (passenger cars, motorcycles, smaller transport cars, etc.) are also subject to a usage fee in most European countries - even if only in special toll-settling sections such as bridges, tunnels or occasional city congestion charges. In short, tolls are now collected for the use of motorways or other traffic structures nearly everywhere in Europe.
If you click on a country on the map below, you will get a short overview of it in the table or you can get further information on the detail page.
Calculation of tolls
Individual principles depending on the collecting body
The toll amount depends on several factors such as tonnage, emission class of the vehicle, number of axles or kilometres driven. The time factor or vehicle height may be relevant too. The following applies: The more direct and faster you would like to drive through a route, usually on motorways, the higher the fees you have to expect in the end.
In addition, in some countries vehicle categories or classes impact the calculation. But there are also fixed usage fees for toll roads that do not comprise different aspects. In this context, a "flat rate toll" or a "flat rate for motorways" is often mentioned.
However the toll is calculated in each country, the collection process means some administrative expenses and time, alongside additional costs for users: application forms that must be completed correctly and completely by all means, vehicle documents and additional certificates that must be obtained and presented - not to mention the foreign-language correspondence that often goes with it. This is a real challenge for many!
Your UTA toll service in Europe
Master every route with UTA Edenred
With UTA Edenred, you have an experienced and strong partner at your side, who will support you from the general provision of information to the registration with the toll operator. We will support you from the general provision of information to registering with toll operators, the vignette booking or installing innovative on-board units in your vehicle, right through to the billing of the toll, and will take care of a large part of the work mentioned above. We mediate between you and the toll operators and/or authorities of the respective countries. We speak their and your languages and provide you with easy to understand information. Benefit from maximum service readiness, comprehensive know-how, special conditions and a powerful product range!
This way, we can shape your day-to-day activities on Europe's roads as conveniently and efficiently as possible.
