Economic Impacts of Introducing Tolls for Heavy-Goods Vehicles

Abstract

This paper focuses on the wider economic and environmental impacts of introducing or expanding road toll systems for heavy-goods vehicles in selected Spanish provinces and how these impacts compare with those of the German toll system. For this purpose, literature and statistical analyses are supported by applications of the European system dynamics model, ASTRA-EC, and stakeholder interviews. The main conclusions of this study are that positive as well as negative impacts of road pricing systems are often overestimated. Enhancing the environmental friendliness of truck fleets through differentiated tariffs and the generation of additional funds for roads and other investments are positive arguments for toll systems. However, the review of existing systems and transport model applications showed limited to negligible effects on the competitiveness of the transport sector, logistics patterns, modal shares, and wider economic impacts with the current charge levels in Germany and Spain. Some specific user groups, such as small- and medium-sized transport enterprises based in peripheral locations, would face considerable difficulties. The success of newly revised truck tolling regimes depends heavily on local conditions, the design of tariffs, the revenues spent, and active participation by stakeholders.