Tolls to use Germany’s autobahn network roads are due to come into force after the country reached an agreement with the European Commission.
The initial plan had been to charge all cars on the autobahn but with tax rebates given to those registered in Germany which would have equalled out the fees for residents, leaving only foreigners to pay.
The Commission had opposed the scheme on the grounds that it discriminated.
The compromise agreed by both sides on Friday in Brussels is to link the toll charges to the emissions of cars. Fuel-efficient cars will pay less than those that have higher pollution levels.
A number of Germany’s neighbours have been unsettled by the plan believing that it still discriminates against non-German residents and some are considering legal action.
The Netherlands said that it is considering lodging a case against Germany with the Court of Justice.
Austria has said it will “very closely examine” the new compromise and has not ruled out joining in a lawsuit. The country’s transport minister, Jörg Leichtfried, said the compromise was nothing more than chicanery. “It’s just that they have managed to blur a little bit the discrimination against foreign drivers,” he said.
Belgium and Denmark have also said they may join if the Netherlands takes the case to the Court of Justice.
Alexander Dobrindt, the German transport minister, said the toll was “fair and just” and would ensure that “all drivers contribute sufficiently to the financing of our motorways”.
The autobahn network is one of the world’s largest with just under 8,000 miles (13,000km). Cars continue to travel on it for free, but a toll for heavy goods vehicles was introduced in 2005.
The new car toll is expected to be a minimum of €2.50 for a 10-day pass rising to no more than €130 for the year.
The plan must still be approved by the Bundestag and the toll is not expected to be implemented until after next year’s general election.
