U-Turn for German government over Maut
There has been another twist to the saga of the German road toll, or LKW Maut. In February the Toll Collect consortium of DaimlerChrysler and Deutsche Telelkom was sacked by the German government due to continued delays in its implementation. However in a major volte face the consortium has been re-appointed.
The step comes following intervention by the German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroder who held a meeting with the heads of the two main suppliers. The issue has forced its way on to the higher political agenda as many people consider that Germany’s industrial and technological reputation is at stake over the successful introduction of the toll.
It now seems that the consortium has committed to getting the system up and running by January 2005. Toll Collect will be liable for payments of up to €1bn ($1.27bn) per year, should there be any further delays. However it is not clear what compensation payments will be due for the loss of revenue caused to the German treasury by the delays so far. Deutsche Telekom has revealed that the problems have already cost it €440m.
The scheme has also been criticized by the European Commission which has questioned plans by the German government to reduce the burden on German hauliers by €600m. This will be achieved either by a reduction in fuel duty or in taxes. However the EC is concerned that this will discriminate against other European road haulage companies which have to pay the full amount without any relief.
