Dutch truck drivers have driven for 27,000 euros in fines in recent months by violating the kilometre levy rules. This is shown by figures from the Flemish Tax Administration.
The figures, which were requested by the ANP, show that only 27 fines were involved. However, each offence amounts to 1,000 euros. As many as 1,600 fines were issued to Belgian drivers. Truck drivers in Belgium have been required to drive with an 'On Board Unit' since 1 April. This registers the number of kilometres driven, on which drivers have to pay tolls. Drivers who do not switch on their box pay 1,000 euros in fines.
Teething problems On Board Unit
The new road pricing system caused a lot of unrest in the first months. Boxes were not delivered on time, were said to be broken in some cases and sometimes even recorded wrong routes. Moreover, some drivers wrongly received fines. Due to an error in the control system of Satellic, the company managing the road pricing system, fines were handed out to companies that complied with the rules. This was because the system allegedly did not take into account the three-hour grace period that companies get if the On Board Unit is faulty.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
