European Commissioner for Transport says it will be necessary for Europe to use road pricing policy to maintain its excellent road network.

 In a speech to the European Automobile manufacturers’ Association in December,

European Commission Vice-President, Sim Kallas, Commissioner for Transport, said that it would be necessary for Europe to use road pricing policy to maintain its excellent road network.

 He said that there was a financing gap between what countries invest in road infrastructure and the requirement.  “Thanks to recent technological progress, toll levels can be varied according to a vehicle’s type and characteristics, as well as the time and place of its use.  This way, road charges can be used to send precise price signals for efficient infrastructure use. They can help shape more sustainable transport behaviour and give incentives for consumers to buy and use cleaner vehicles.”

 Mr. Kallas also said that road charging is a way to manage congestion, which causes unnecessary emissions and waste of fuel, as well as loss of productivity.