In the Netherlands, truck drivers and transport companies are required to pay the existing truck toll (vrachtwagenheffing) for all kilometers traveled, including those resulting from mandatory detours. These detours often become necessary when bridges are closed or have restricted access, forcing vehicles to take longer routes.
Minister Vincent Karremans of Infrastructure and Water Management has confirmed that the current Truck Toll Act does not provide any provisions for temporarily exempting such detour routes from the kilometer-based charge. This means that even when a detour is unavoidable and adds significant mileage, carriers are still liable for the toll on those extra kilometers.
For freight forwarders and transport operators, this policy translates directly into increased operational costs. Unforeseen bridge closures or restrictions will lead to longer routes and, consequently, higher toll expenses, which can impact route planning, pricing, and overall profitability. This lack of flexibility in the toll system could disproportionately affect companies operating in regions frequently impacted by infrastructure works or unexpected closures, potentially leading to higher transport costs for shippers.
