Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists & Democrats
Heavy goods vehicles may be taxed in future for the noise and air pollution they produce while using the European Union’s motorways. This follows the recent decision by the European Parliament in Strasbourg to give the go-ahead to a revision of European legislation on the “eurovignette” road toll for lorries.
S&D spokesperson on transport and European Parliament negotiator, Belgian Saïd El Khadraoui, welcomed the vote’s outcome:
"Today, Europe has shown that it is capable of taking good decisions for its citizens. The discussions have been long and arduous. We have struck a balanced compromise between those who wanted a very ambitious agreement and those who feared excessive costs for road hauliers. However, the additional costs would be marginal compared to the future benefits for society.
For the first time, the ‘polluter pays’ principle will be applied to road transport. The Member States may decide to make the road sector bear the costs linked to noise and air pollution. This is a step in the right direction. All the same, the European Commission still has a lot on its plate. We expect fresh proposals to make these new measures binding and incorporate the cost of all damage caused to the environment, thereby extending the ‘polluter pays’ principle to all transport modes."
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Saïd El Khadraoui - Eurovignette directive - 110607
Eurovignette: 'A good decision for all citizens.' Heavy goods vehicles may be taxed in future for the noise and air pollution they produce while using the European Union’s motorways. This follows the recent decision by the European Parliament in Strasbourg to give the go-ahead to a revision of European legislation on the “eurovignette” road toll for lorries. S&D spokesperson on transport and European Parliament negotiator, Belgian Saïd El Khadraoui, welcomed the vote’s outcome.
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