Distance-based Heavy Goods Vehicle Charge, Austria
Background This charge replaces a fixed charge.
Introduced
January 1, 2004
Aims
The charge was introduced in order to increase the recovery of infrastructure investment and maintenance costs, providing for new investments in motorway infrastructure in the face of rising demand (Perkins, 2004). However, by replacing a fixed charge with a distance-based one, this encourages more efficient use of haulage operations.
Design
The Austrian 'LWK-Maut' is a multi-lane, free flow open toll system for heavy goods vehicles, comprising the entire Austrian motorway network.
Rate
The rate is 0.65 eurocents per ton kilmotre or 27 cents per kilmetre. The basis for the charge was to increase infrastructure cost recovery. Scope
The fully-electronic toll systme applies to motor vehicles iwth a maximum permitted laden weight of over 3.5t. Unlike Switzerland, this charge is not differentiated according to the emissions class of the vehicle. However, the law does provide for this differentiation at some point in the future.
Toll stations were installed in approx. 420 locations.The toll can be settled ex post or pre-paid. Enforcement
Installation and operation of the the electronic fee collection system was awarded to EUROPASS s.p.a. and the enforcement is shared between the operator and the motorway authority. This consists of automotic enforcement stations, mobile enforcement units and spsecially equipped check-points.
Revenue
All revenues go to the company charged with managing and expanding the motorway system. The external costs of of transport did not enter into the calculation of the level of the charge (Perkins, 2004).
Expectations (Ex ante Analysis)
Revenues are estimated at 600 million euro for 2004 (Perkins, 2004).
Related Instruments
Swiss Distance-based Heavy Goods Vehicle Fee
References
Perkins, 2004. Charging for the Use of Roads: Policies and Recent Initiatives. Paper presented at the Fifth Annual Global Conferenc on Environmental Taxation Issues, Experience and Potential. Pavia, Italy, September 2004.
Useful Information Sources
http://www.bmvit.gv.at/sixcms/detail.php/template/mainindex/
http://www.go-maut.at/go/
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