From July 2013 goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes travelling in France will be charged a tax to use large sections of the national and local road network.
The Heavy Goods Vehicle Eco-Tax will apply to 15,000 km of French roads but will not include toll motorways.
The new Eco-Tax will be calculated by applying a kilometre rate that varies according to the type of vehicle involved, its emission levels and the area of the country concerned. Special GPS devices fitted in the cab will be used to monitor the vehicle’s journey and record the tax due. It is estimated the move will raise 1.2 billion Euros per annum and - according to the French Government - will be used to finance transport infrastructure projects and support sustainable development.
The actual rates of tax have not yet been announced; however a website will be available from January next year which will enable operators to calculate the tax due for any particular journey in advance.