Irish hauliers to face higher EU tolls

[NewsBot]

IRISH LORRIES travelling across Europe will be subjected to higher tolls from 2011 because of a decision of the European Parliament yesterday to support commission plans to increase tolls to control pollution and congestion.

More from The Irish Times.

[atlantic]

Thats a fupping disgrace ,I sat down with an MEP years ago to see if we could get a subsidy or tax break for Irish Truck drivers logistical companies ,because it costs more to get stuff delivered /imported to Ireland.

[myksav]

Is this aimed specificaly at Irish hauliers or is it aimed at all hauliers in the EU?

[mmrebel]

was at meeting in work today and and one of our buyers told us that its cheaper to get our material from sinagpore rather than our normal place in clara co offaly due to transport costs go figure

[FutureTaoiseach]

It shows how excessive European integration can harm individual member states. Let's vote no to Lisbon and so keep our vetoes on more laws that embody such tendencies. The reality is that such legislation also needs to pass the Council of Ministers under the status-quo, so it's crucial we retain what vetoes we have there. It's odd to see politicians that support further integration complaining about its consequences. Can they not join the dots?

[Ah Well]

IRISH LORRIES travelling across Europe will be subjected to higher tolls from 2011 because of a decision of the European Parliament yesterday to support commission plans to increase tolls to control pollution and congestion.

More from The Irish Times.

Hauliers here are very much at the edge of the cliff these days (those still in business for now) methinks ... this will help no end in pushing 'em over the cliff

[ibis]

The proposal to include congestion charging met opposition from MEPs in the EPP-ED group, who argued that it would be too heavy a burden on the sector in this period of economic downturn and that such a charge would be discriminatory, as private cars are also responsible for congestion. The committee reached a compromise which allows Member States to apply a congestion charge on lorries on the condition that they apply a similar charge to "all other road users". Member States would also have to submit a cost/benefit analysis and an action plan setting out their measures to reduce congestion before applying the charge

and

The Eurovignette calculation method means that the overall extra cost for road users would only rise by approximately 3% if Member States choose to apply the charges, according to an impact study carried out by the Commission. Heavy polluters (Euro 0) would pay more, eco-friendly lorries (Euro VI and "clean energy" lorries) would pay little or no charges for air pollution. The same principle applies to the congestion charge: reduced rates would incite drivers to travel during off-peak times.

Note that: (a) this only permits member states to charge - it does not mandate it; (b) it estimates road costs would only rise by 3% if member states do decide to charge; and (c) you can get around the charges by using cleaner lorries - or, god forbid, rail.

It may well still banjax the Irish hauliers, though.

[myksav]

and



Note that: (a) this only permits member states to charge - it does not mandate it; (b) it estimates road costs would only rise by 3% if member states do decide to charge; and (c) you can get around the charges by using cleaner lorries - or, god forbid, rail.

It may well still banjax the Irish hauliers, though.

It would banjax a bit more than the hauliers. We have higher base costs in haulage than most European companies. We don't have the rail infrastructure that Europe has and there would be a disconnect between the mainland and here anyway, if we did have good rail. The ferry points. The switch from land to sea and back adds freight costs.

Maybe we should make a rail tunnel to mainland Europe via Britain.

I'm a bit suprised that Elsbeth type engines haven't been used in more trucks, they're cleaner than standard diesels and more efficient, with a wider range of fuel oils usable.

[ibis]

It would banjax a bit more than the hauliers. We have higher base costs in haulage than most European companies. We don't have the rail infrastructure that Europe has and there would be a disconnect between the mainland and here anyway, if we did have good rail. The ferry points. The switch from land to sea and back adds freight costs.

Maybe we should make a rail tunnel to mainland Europe via Britain.

I'm a bit suprised that Elsbeth type engines haven't been used in more trucks, they're cleaner than standard diesels and more efficient, with a wider range of fuel oils usable.

Hmm - containerisation would seem to be a possible solution, surely? Plus we have an OK rail network when it comes to delivering to the major population centres.

[bluefish]

And isnt this crazy when Foreign lorries can pass through 1 infamous toll here for free!