Luxembourg is considering the introduction of a toll road system for lorries

The Luxembourg government is considering introducing a toll road system for lorries to replace the current Eurovignette system. As part of the coalition agreement, a study is planned for 2023-2028 to implement a "user pays" model for vehicles used for commercial purposes. The aim of this model is to create a fairer system of charging for the use of infrastructure and at the same time reduce congestion.

The current Eurovignette system is governed by a modified Grand Ducal Ordinance of 21 May 2019. According to this decree, the right to use motorways and similar roads applies to vehicles with a maximum permissible mass exceeding 12 tonnes. Currently, lorries pay a fixed amount for the use of roads, independent of the actual distance or time of use of the infrastructure.

The Ministry of Mobility and Public Works, led by Yuriko Backes, plans to launch a study to replace Eurovignette with a new system that takes into account the principles of Directive (EU) 2022/362 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 February 2022. This directive updates EU vehicle taxation rules and introduces more flexible charging schemes that can take into account factors such as distance, vehicle weight and emissions.

The study will consider the possible inclusion of congestion charges in the cost of road use. Such a measure is aimed at incentivising hauliers to choose less congested routes or times of day, which would help reduce congestion and improve the environmental situation in the country.

At the same time, the introduction of toll zones in Luxembourg cities is not under consideration. According to the coalition agreement for the years 2023-2028, there are no plans to install toll systems in cities or to create traffic restriction zones on a toll basis. This decision is dictated by the desire to preserve the accessibility of cities for all categories of citizens and businesses.