BRATISLAVA, August 18, (WEBNOVINY) — The Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development is holding talks with the e-toll collection operator SkyToll, a.s. on long-planned reduction in the number of road sections subjected to toll from the curernt more than 1,600 sections by about one half. This would reduce the number of toll transactions and thus fees that the state pays for the operation of the e-toll system. “We believe that we will present an agreement that will positively affect public finances in upcoming days,” said the ministerial spokesman Lubomir Tuchscher for the SITA news agency. The ministry originally wanted to decrease the number of tolled sections as of June but the e-toll collection operator found it unfeasible at such a short notice.
The Transport Ministry explains that the planned extension of toll payment to all first-category roads most likely as of next year seeks payment of toll for these roads from those who actually use them. “We witness the situation when some drivers bypass the tolled highway sections using first, second or third-category roads that are not tolled. instead. We are considering all pros and cons,” said Tuchscher. He will provide more information after the Transport Ministry makes a decision on the matter.
“Extension of toll collection on all first-category roads is in the jurisdiction of the Transport Ministry. The National Highway Company (NDS) promotes implementation of this project,” NDS spokesman Marcel Janosik confirmed for SITA.
As for impacts that possible extension of e-toll collection on first-category roads may have on hauliers, the Transport Ministry asserts that it seeks development of the business environment and regional development, which it opines also requires quality infrastructure. “As long as we do not secure sufficient financing of reconstruction and development of the infrastructure, further development can be limited,” added the Transport Ministry.
As part of revision to the e-toll rates, the Transport Ministry also plans preferential treatment of more ecological means of transport, i.e. vehicles releasing fewer emissions, which is also Slovakia’s commitment toward the European Union. According to unofficial information, e-toll rates for the most ecological vehicles can be cutback. “Revision to the toll rates for upcoming years is still a subject to talks and proposals,” added Janosik.
SITA
