Progress in charge structure and internalisation policies

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Topics: Transport ,

Assessment made on 01 Oct 2003

Note: new version is available!

Generic metadata

Classification

Transport (Primary theme)

DPSIR: Response

Identification

Indicator codes

TERM 026

Geographical coverage:

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Contents

Policy issue: Recover the full costs of transport including externalities from users

Key messages

Restructuring of transport charges towards internalisation of external costs in the ACs is in its nascence. The level of sophistication of transport charges and taxes is improving in line with the degree of approximation of harmonisation of EU legislation, albeit without a coordinated approach or specific internalisation objectives. The only specific internalisation policy instruments in place are tax breaks on unleaded petrol (five countries) and differentiated noise charges at airports (Czech Republic and Cyprus). The lack of recent reporting specifically related to internalisation policies seriously hinders analysis and discussion for the region.
Progress in restructuring transport charges towards better internalisation of external costs is slow. An important development in 2003 was the London congestion charging scheme introduced February 17. Furthermore, Austria and Germany will introduce a HGV kilometre charging scheme on their motorways in 2004. The Netherlands, on the other hand, stopped tax breaks for new fuel-efficient or 'Euro4' cars and new 'Euro4' vans. Germany, UK and Sweden have the most differentiation instruments in place. Ireland, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg lag behind. Charge differentiation concentrates mainly on air pollution in the road sector and noise in the aviation sector. Very few measures have yet been taken to internalise costs of congestion and CO2 emission, and rail and road noise.

Figures

Transport tax differentiation in acceding and candidate countries indicates that leaded petrol is no longer on the market

Key assessment

AC:
Restructuring of transport charges towards internalisation of external costs in the ACs is in its nascence. The level of sophistication of transport charges and taxes is improving in line with the degree of approximation of harmonisation of EU legislation, albeit without a coordinated approach or specific internalisation objectives. The only specific internalisation policy instruments in place are tax breaks on unleaded petrol (five countries) and differentiated noise charges at airports (Czech Republic and Cyprus).

EU:
Progress in restructuring transport charges towards better internalisation of external costs is slow. An important development in 2003 was the London congestion charging scheme introduced February 17. Furthermore, Austria and Germany will introduce a HGV kilometre charging scheme on their motorways. The Netherlands, on the other hand, stopped tax breaks for new fuel-efficient or 'Euro4' cars and new 'Euro4' vans. Germany, UK and Sweden have the most differentiation instruments in place. Ireland, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg lag behind. Charge differentiation concentrates mainly on air pollution in the road sector and noise in the aviation sector. Very few measures have yet been taken to internalise costs of congestion and CO2 emission, and rail and road noise.