European Shippers’ Council welcomes postponement of Lkw Maut

1 August 2003

The European Shippers’ Council welcomes the decision taken by the German Government to postpone the introduction of its new distance-based infrastructure system for heavy trucks (the Lkw Maut) until 2 November.

Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of ESC, said: "I’m pleased that the German Government has listened carefully to the massive protests from industry and that a period of chaos will be prevented. Nevertheless, the measure remains unilateral, particularly because of the compensation to German trucks. We look forward to the results of the investigation by the European Commission in this respect which could result in the possible withdrawal of the whole measure."

Over the last couple of months ESC’s members were increasingly concerned about the delays and costs of the introduction Lkw Maut at the end of August. The majority of road freight vehicles will not have had time to introduce digital on-board unit into their trucks leaving truck drivers to pay manually resulting in total chaos. ESC called on the EU Commissionar Loyola de Palacio to intervene by urging for a postponement. With the achieved postponement, it remains to be seen whether the date of 2 November will still provide sufficient time.

For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113