The Eurovignette's importance in curbing carbon emissions in European road freight transportation

European Parliament to Vote on Revised Eurovignette Directive

The European Parliament is set to vote on the revised Eurovignette Directive on Thursday, 17 February 2019. This key piece of legislation, which sets EU rules on heavy-duty vehicle road charging, has been under revision since May 2017.

Violeta Bulc, the former Transport Commissioner, proposed the revision of the Eurovignette Directive with the aim of better reflecting the 'polluter pays' and 'user pays' principles in EU rules on heavy-duty vehicle road charging. The revised Directive introduces a CO2-based differentiation of road charges, a change aimed at promoting environmentally friendly heavy-duty vehicles.

Europe's truck manufacturers have urged the European Parliament to endorse the agreement on the Eurovignette reached with the Council last year. They believe that a coherent, supportive, and enabling policy framework is vital to shift key cost factors towards a clear advantage for low- and zero-emission vehicles.

The CO2-based differentiation of infrastructure charges in the revised Eurovignette Directive is seen as a key piece of legislation for heavy-duty vehicles. It is considered a crucial enabler of the transition to carbon-neutral road freight transport, a goal that aligns with the EU Green Deal's ambitions.

One of the proposed changes is the introduction of a CO2-based differentiation of road charges. This variation of road charges in Europe is deemed important in the context of the transition to carbon-neutral road freight transport. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association is pleased that the Eurovignette Directive dossier has survived multiple elections and Council presidencies.

However, it's important to note that the total costs of ownership (TCO) of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles currently cannot compete with conventional, fossil fuel-based technologies. A swift and successful implementation of the voted provisions by member states is crucial for the market uptake of low- and zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.

The revised Eurovignette Directive, when enacted, could serve as a crucial enabler of the transition to carbon-neutral road freight transport. The European Parliament's swift conclusion of the decision-making process during the upcoming plenary vote is hoped for to enable the new Eurovignette to enter into force as soon as possible.

The introduction of a CO2 variation of road charges in Europe is urgent and of utmost importance to meet the ambitions of the EU Green Deal. The successful market uptake of low- and zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles depends heavily on the provisions to be voted by the European Parliament next week. The upcoming plenary vote on the revised Eurovignette Directive by the European Parliament is significant for the swift entrance of the new Eurovignette into force.

The Eurovignette's importance in curbing carbon emissions in European road freight transportation