Commissioner Sees Toll Sticker as a Transitional Measure

Brdo pri Kranju, 6 May

European Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot said he views Slovenia's plans to introduce a motorway toll sticker as a transitional measure on the way to the speedy implementation of electronic tolling.

Barrot told the press at Brdo pri Kranju on Tuesday that the Slovenian project aimed at introducing fully automated distance-based tolling by 2009 for trucks and 2010 for cars was both brave and excellent. "The sooner it comes into force, the better," he said.
His comments come in response to a question from the Slovenian press on the Commission's view on the toll sticker Slovenia plans to introduce for cars as of July.
Barrot pointed out that the toll stickers, or vignettes, have been envisaged as a transitional measure by Slovenia. He said that the Commission was in contact with Slovenian authorities over the details of the plan.
"As far as I'm concerned given that this is a transitional system, I think that we will be able to agree, however, of course, we are going to have make sure that there is no significant degree of discrimination," Barrot said.
Slovenia plans to introduce toll stickers for light vehicles, including trucks, vans and motorcycles until a fully automated system of tolling is introduced, expectedly by 2010. The proposal envisages annual and half-yearly stickers, costing EUR 55 and EUR 35 respectively.
Presenting the decision on 20 March, Slovenian Transport Minister Radovan Zerjav called the planned prices for toll stickers "extremely attractive". He added that the plan would lower the cost of motorways for the average Slovenian motorist, while charging transiting motorists slightly more.
Slovenia currently uses a system of toll stations, with motorists having to stop to pay for using individual sections. This system is prone to extensive tailbacks in times of rush hour and in the summer months, when foreign tourist traffic is heavy.

Commissioner Sees Toll Sticker as a Transitional Measure

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