Infrastructure charging
IRU Position on a modern economic theory for the internalisation of external costs, (2008)
The effective internalisation of transport’s external costs requires sound cost-benefit analyses. Charging should be applied to all transport modes and revenues from road charging earmarked for the road transport sector, rather than lost in the overall state budget and inefficient transport modes. The IRU considers that the Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) is not an adequate response to the internalisation of external costs, as it is economically outdated, and environmentally misguided. Instead, the IRU recommends applying the Cheapest Cost Avoider Principle (CCAP) to ensure economic growth and remain competitive.
IRU Position on road user charging for HGVs, (2004)
As a response to the introduction of road use charges based on mileage, this IRU Position stresses that the road transport industry has always paid its way and is prepared to continue doing so. However, the industry would welcome a common framework for charging HGVs as fair competition on the goods transport market depends on a consistent application of the non-discrimination principle. Furthermore, the IRU considers that the introduction of road user charging should be fiscally neutral and calculated on the basis of costs directly linked to infrastructure.
IRU Position on the Commission proposal relating to the interoperability of road user charging systems, (2004)
In this position, the IRU expresses its support in principle for an efficient, interoperable toll collection system, while underlining that charges for road use implies additional costs and administrative burdens for operators. The IRU therefore calls for tolls and toll-collection systems to explicitly seek to reduce these costs as much as possible. With regard to the technology for registering road use, the IRU is in favour of a cheap, technically reliable and tamper-proof system, such as the GSM/GPS-based system.
IRU Position on the EU Commission proposal for an amended Directive on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures, (2003)
The EU Commission proposal to amend the “Eurovignette” Directive includes replacing time-related charging of HGVs by distance-dependent charging, and rate differentiations depending on vehicle specifications, emissions, location, type of infrastructure, time of day and level of congestion. The IRU supports, in principle, the framework for charging HGVs in EU Member States and using revenue from charging goods vehicles to improve the industry and road infrastructure. However, the IRU considers that goods transport operators should not pay congestion twice and calls upon the Commission to further consider congestion charging.
