The supreme process quality and excellent service provided by the DKV CARD and DKV BOX now enable customers to settle their tolls and other road using charges in about 30 European countries; a number which will only increase in the years to come. In the following interview, Jürgen Steinmeyer, Toll Director of DKV Euro Service Benelux sets out the additional tolls charges that can be settled via DKV Euro Service as from 2014 and which tolls will be the first to follow in 2015.

Mr Steinmeyer, which tolls and other road using charges were integrated by DKV Euro Service in its service portfolio in 2014?

Steinmeyer: On 1 April 2014, Great Britain introduced a timed-based charge for foreign trucks as from 12 t MGW. This charge applies to all public roads and it must be paid in advance, before entering the country. This can be done without any problems at various service stations, using the DKV CARD. Furthermore, Latvia introduced truck tolls by 1 July, which can be paid with the DKV CARD at 59 stations operated by fuel company Statoil. Last not least, the charges for the Herrentunnel in Lübeck, Germany, can be settled via the DKV BOX since the end of December.

How are the amounts of road using charges determined?

Steinmeyer: In Britain these amounts depend on the maximum gross weight (MGW) of the vehicle and its axle configuration on the one hand, and vehicle type on the other hand.

Which tolls are the first to follow?

Steinmeyer: Belgium is expected to introduce a satellite-controlled tolls system by early 2016.

Compared to the current Belgian truck tolls system, which changes must users brace themselves for?
Steinmeyer: The new Belgian tolls system will first and foremost apply to vehicles as of 3.5 t maximum gross weight; a considerable increase in vehicles, compared to the currently applied minimum of 12 t MGW. Besides, the toll registration process will run via a satellite-controlled on board unit and the system will cover and eventually replace the time-based Eurovignette network currently in use in the Flanders and Brussels regions and the Walloon provinces.

What payment options will users have?

Steinmeyer: Users will be able to select between paying before or after trips as soon as they have registered for tolls and have installed on board units in their vehicles. It is furthermore expected that, in addition to the possibility of online registration, the toll operator will provide service points in Belgium and border regions of adjoining countries where users will be able to register for toll and obtain on board units.

What is the added value for customers settling their tolls via DKV Euro Service?

Steinmeyer: Without any doubt we are one of the pioneers when it comes to tolls settlement. From the nineteen seventies already, haulage and logistics firms have been able to pay their toll charges all over Europe via DKV Euro Service. And irrespective of whether they use a DKV CARD, DKV BOX or a customized box applied by the manufacturer, international haulage companies benefit from our many years of experience while receiving just one, uniform bill for all their European tolls transactions. This means a considerable reduction in processing and paperwork. What’s more, we take a considerable effort out of the customer’s hands by registering the customer for the countries concerned, thereby largely contributing to simplification of processes. Last not least, our professional support in the registration process will guarantee that the customer is optimally prepared and that any granted discounts and rebates will fully go to the customer.

Where is detailed information available on European tolls charges and systems?

Steinmeyer: Detailed records and information on European tolls, specified by country, can be accessed via the DKV website. After their free registration for DKV MAPS, customers may plan their trips all over Europe and obtain a specification of their estimated toll costs for these trips. And non-DKV customers may use our free DKV station finder.