Today, the European Commission published its study for sustainable transport Infrastructure Charging and Internalisation of Transport Externalities. The objective of the study is to assess to which extent the ‘user pays’ and the ‘polluter pays’ principles are implemented in the EU countries both for passenger and for freight. One of the main findings of the study is that the external costs of all transport modes, such as air and noise pollution, carbon emissions, congestion and accidents amongst others, is estimated at almost EUR 1 trillion annually, equivalent to 7% of EU’s GDP.
. 

EIM – the Association representing rail infrastructure managers in Europe – welcomes the European Commission’s study and supports the internalisation of external costs in all transport modes based on the polluter pays principle. However, the findings related to the variable external costs indicate the need for a more balanced approach across transport modes.

Monika Heiming, EIM’s Executive Director, said: “Rail transport is a natural enabler for decarbonisation. The study of the EC indicates that more should be done to create a real level-playing field across modes.”

To access the study proposal, clic here.