Brussels, 14/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - The Commission is supplying instructions to all member states wishing to bring in a vignette system, as a fee for the use of private cars: the countries of the EU will have to provide the option of short-term vignettes, the price of which must not present too great a gap compared to annual vignettes. In its publication of a communication on the subject, the Commission is seeking to do away with discriminatory practices which will penalise foreign or occasional drivers. Although the Commission feels that a toll system based on distance driven is fairer, it can agree to the use of vignettes. But it wishes to tackle any problems head-on by insisting on observing the principles of proportionality and non-discrimination laid down in the treaty in this matter. Its interpretation may in future be used as a reference by the Court of Justice in the event that it needs to intervene in the matter.
For whom? There is a great temptation for the European governments to look for fresh sources of income in drivers' pockets, particularly as the system responds to the “user/polluter pays” principle recommended in the strategy of the White Paper on transport. Currently, seven countries have gone for this option (Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Romania), with Belgium due to bring the system in after 2013, and other countries are seriously considering the option (Netherlands, Denmark). In order to make sure that the errors of the past are not repeated (Austria and Slovenia were brought before the Court of Justice), the Commission is providing detailed information on how to set in place a vignette system which is not discriminatory.
The right price. Drivers must have a choice between weekly, monthly or annual vignettes. As the first choice for occasional or non-resident drivers is likely to focus on short-term vignettes, the prices of these must not be disproportionate compared to the price of the annual vignette, which is used by residents or commuters. Currently, Slovenia applies the greatest differential, in other words a day price which is eight times higher for the weekly vignette in comparison to the cost of the annual vignette. This ratio must not be exceeded, says the Commission. This ratio has no legislative value, but is a threshold which could be used as a reference by the Court of Justice, in the event of any problems being referred to it.
Exceptions. The Commission does, however, recognise that the day cost of a short-term vignette may be greater than that of an annual vignette under certain circumstances. This could be justified by administrative surcharges or production costs which adapt to each category of vignette, or by a differentiated use of infrastructure (commuters taking a short journey regularly, or holidaymakers over longer distances, but far less frequently). The Commission is still defending the idea of a proportionate approach. It also insists that drivers be duly informed, in all cases, particularly drivers from overseas, who also need to be offered a number of payment solutions. (MD/transl.fl)