From July 2024, vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes will be subject to tolls in Germany
CO2 toll for HGVs in Europe
How to determine your vehicle’s CO2 class
Tolls in Europe
It’s difficult to avoid road tolls anymore
Tolls – and the complexity they cause – are a widely discussed topic in Europe. But what does "toll" actually mean and where does the term come from?
The word is derived from the Greek "telos" (tax) and its underlying meaning has not changed in centuries: a toll means a fee collected for the use of transportation infrastructure (e.g., motorways, bridges, tunnels, roads). Whereas in the past tolls were often paid directly on site, today there’s a growing industry behind them focussed on fee collection. Thus, it’s not surprising that many want a partner to help them navigate complex requirements and specifications and/or provide fee processing support.
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.
Orchestration varies depending on the collection organisation
The toll amount depends on factors such as tonnage, emissions class, number of axles or kilometres driven. Driving time or vehicle height might also be relevant. The following applies: The more direct and faster the route planned (e.g., a motorway), the higher the fees you should expect.
In addition, vehicle categories or classes impact the calculation in some countries. 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 cited.
However tolls are calculated in a given country, the collection process adds time and expense for users: completing application forms fully and accurately, obtaining and presenting vehicle documents and certificates and dealing with the foreign-language correspondence that often goes with it. This is a challenge for many!
Your UTA toll service in Europe
Master every route with UTA Edenred
With UTA Edenred, you have an experienced partner by your side who will provide you with information when and where you need it – from registering with toll operators and booking vignettes to installingon-board unitsin your vehicle and toll-related billing. We’ll handle the majority of work involved. We’ll mediate between you and the toll operators and/or authorities of the respective countries. We speak your language and provide information in an easy-to-understand manner. Benefit from service readiness, deep sector know-how, special conditions and our comprehensive product range!
This way, we help make your journeys across Europe quick and efficient.
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