The transport industry is facing yet another major challenge. Although it’s only the end of July 2025, radical changes to the toll system are already on the horizon – starting in 2026, road tolls are set to rise significantly, and the EU’s VECTO system will introduce new CO₂ emission categories, further complicating matters for transport companies.
1. Austria Announces Further Increases
Austria, the country with the second-highest road tolls in Europe, has announced another round of increases from January 1, 2026 – this time by as much as 13%, following a previous 12% hike in 2025. This poses a serious financial burden on hauliers.
2. Poland and the e-TOLL System Under EU Pressure
Like other EU countries, Poland must adapt its national e-TOLL system to the EU directive and link toll pricing to emission classes based on VECTO results. The European Commission has already launched proceedings against Poland for delays, and changes are expected to be implemented in Q1 2026. For Polish hauliers, this likely means another cost increase.
3. The Netherlands: From Eurovignettes to VECTO-Based Tolls
Simultaneously, the Netherlands plans to introduce electronic road tolls for trucks starting July 1, 2026, abandoning the current Eurovignette system. A preliminary toll pricing structure – also based on VECTO emission classes – has been published, although final rates are expected to be higher. Transport companies need to factor this into their cost planning.
4. New VECTO Classes and Stricter Criteria
As of July 1, 2026, the second update to the CO₂ emission classes in the VECTO system will come into force – with stricter criteria meaning many truck models will no longer qualify for the more favorable classes with discounts. After the first update (July 2025), vehicles qualifying for Class III (-8% emissions) already became a small group – the next reduction threshold will narrow access to discounted tariffs even further.
Manufacturers from the “Big Seven” and logistics companies have little time left to prepare configurations (e.g. lightweight cabins, minimal fuel tanks) that meet the requirements – otherwise, they’ll pay more.
5. What Does the EU Directive Require?
EU Directive 2022/362 obliges member states to implement CO₂-based tolling no later than March 25, 2026. Exemptions for zero-emission vehicles (Class V) can only apply with a maximum 75% reduction compared to Class I starting January 1, 2026.
The most polluting vehicles (Class I) will pay full tolls. Classes II, III, and IV (with emissions 5–50% below the 2019 reference level) will pay less, but discounts will diminish annually depending on overall fleet emission reduction dynamics.
6. Consequences for the Transport Industry
a) Rising Costs and Contract Renegotiation Pressure
In the short term, hauliers won’t have time to replace their fleets with low-emission vehicles. Toll increases are moving faster than contract renegotiations – meaning an immediate hit to profitability.
b) No Real Alternative
Zero-emission trucks remain largely unavailable or prohibitively expensive. Switching to electric vehicles will be difficult and costly in the coming years.
c) Need for Thoughtful Fleet Planning
A strategy is required: selecting vehicle models to meet emission thresholds and configuring them to minimize CO₂ emissions so they can qualify for lower classes.
d) Growing Importance of Intermodal Transport
Higher road tolls may make rail transport more price-competitive – although Poland still lacks a sufficiently developed terminal infrastructure.
7. Timeline of Changes
| Country | Implementation Date | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | January 1, 2026 | +13% toll increase, full VECTO implementation |
| Poland | Q1 2026* | e-TOLL adapted to VECTO, possible toll hikes |
| Netherlands | July 1, 2026 | Electronic tolling based on VECTO emission class |
| EU (overall) | By March 25, 2026 | Directive 2022/362 must be implemented |
*— estimated date; no official schedule at the time of publication
8. What Can the Industry Do?
- Fleet and Emission Audit – determine which vehicles meet Class II–IV requirements.
- Investment Planning – tighter limits may require accelerated fleet replacement.
- Rate Renegotiations – transport contracts must reflect rising toll costs.
- Diversify Routes – introduce intermodal solutions wherever feasible.
- Monitor Legislation – track EU and national changes to e-TOLL and VECTO systems.
9. Summary
The year 2026 marks a turning point for European road transport. Toll increases in Austria, changes to Poland’s e-TOLL system, and new electronic tolls in the Netherlands are only the beginning. The VECTO system enforces CO₂ reduction, but also becomes a cost lever for hauliers who fail to adapt their fleets in time.
The situation requires a strategic approach: fleet audits, vehicle selection, contract renegotiations, and development of rail transport as an alternative.