Extension of toll network in Belgium

The Flemish government has announced that it intends to take the Toll road network to be significantly expanded in 2024. This initiative is motivated by various objectives such as the promotion of a shift in transport behaviour and dissuading sneak traffic.

This initiative is motivated by various objectives, such as encouraging a shift in transport behaviour and discouraging sneak traffic.

Already before the summer holidays, the Flemish government had announced that it would revise its Energy and Climate Plan. Part of this review concerned the plan to expand the existing toll network in Flanders for trucks. The idea of lifting tolls on However, passenger cars remain completely non-negotiable in the political arena. Meanwhile, the planned measures are further developed and their practical implementation is prepared.

A striking aspect of this enlargement is the decision to extend the existing toll network in Flanders to as much as possible. 686 kilometers, representing an increase of almost 30%.

This 686 kilometres of toll can be divided into three parts: From 2024 mileage tax will be levied on roads in the port areas of Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and Ostend, which comprises a total of 111 kilometers roads. Of these some major main roads now become converted into toll roads, including the N49 between Zelzate and the connection with the A11. This is a striking change since the launch of the mileage tax in 2016 exempted the port areas and the N49 from the competitive position of the Flemish ports. This argument seems to no longer apply.

On top of the 111 kilometers in the port areas, 208 kilometers is added to the main roads on the toll network. This extension of toll roads will contribute to the desired modal shift, with freight moving more from road to water and rail.

In addition, Flanders will add 367 kilometers to roads with toll to to prevent slip traffic. In particular, in Limburg, where tolls are now payable on certain major traffic routes, it seems difficult to justify the existence of sneak traffic if there are no alternative routes available.

The Dutch transport operators will soon be confronted with increasing costs as they will have to pay a toll on a more extensive network of roads by 2024 in Flanders. It will be worth the review route planning and logistics strategies to take into account the new toll roads and rates in Flanders. This can lead to changes in the chosen routes and possibly longer travel times.