Toll = tax in disguise!

Year in, year out the Berlin coalition government grandiosely declares that it’s not raising taxes. At the same time, from the beginning of 2019 low-emission Euro-VI HGVs will have to put up with a 40 per cent increase in toll charges. If the toll were to make a direct contribution to better roads – in other words if it were used properly – this charge would be understandable. Like this, however, where the revenue goes to the federal government for general use, we need to take a closer look at it. All of this is taking place in a transport market that has been overheating for some time. That is why the added costs are soon to be expressed in higher end prices for carriers. However, because their costs are also calculated down to the last cent, ultimately it will be the hauliers and thus the drivers who foot the bill. Those who see this as a redistribution from bottom to top are probably correct.