Freight Carrier Protest in Vienna Postponed

"The toll increase, despite the reduction from the original 10 to 13 percent to 7.7 percent, represents an enormous additional burden. In times of persistent high inflation, the costs cannot be passed on to customers one-to-one, which increasingly endangers location security and jobs in Austria due to price pressure and intense competition with foreign companies," said the freight carriers.

Freight Carriers' Demands to the Ministry of Transport

They are particularly demanding the nationwide introduction of the night 80 km/h speed limit for trucks on highways, the introduction of the C17 truck driver's license, the inclusion of the profession of professional driver in the shortage occupation list, and the approval of 5-axle trucks with a total weight of 40 tons. All of this would be budget-neutral, according to trade association chairman Markus Fischer.

Heated Debate in the National Council

While calm has returned to the streets for the time being, the debate in parliament was controversial today. During the debate on the amendment to the Federal Road Toll Act in the National Council on Thursday, ÖVP transport spokesperson Joachim Schnabel pointed out that it was crucial for the People's Party to "cushion the originally significantly higher toll increase and protect the competitiveness of domestic transporters." For FPÖ transport spokesperson Christian Hafenecker, this is not enough. "With the toll increase, the losing traffic light coalition is making every product transported by truck more expensive," he warned. This would also drive up food prices. He accused the government of spreading falsehoods. Transport Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) stated regarding the tariffs for the freight carriers that a balance between environmental and economic interests was maintained. For the government partner NEOS, the new regulation of heavy traffic tolls creates more cost transparency.

Inflation Adjustment for Vignette

The Greens viewed the package critically, as in their opinion, the intended shift of freight traffic to rail is being counteracted. The FPÖ also voted against the legislative amendment, as they see it as new burdens for the population. The new truck toll rates, passed with a government majority, will apply from 2026, and the inflation adjustment of the vignette for car drivers for the coming year was also approved. 2026 is also the last year in which the adhesive vignette will be offered.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.