Lower Austria chamber opposes planned Burgenland truck toll

The Economic Chamber of Lower Austria is urging Burgenland to withdraw plans for a truck toll on state roads from 2027, ORF reported. The chamber says the charge could increase costs throughout the supply chain and make local deliveries more expensive in Lower Austria.

Burgenland plans to introduce the heavy vehicle user charge at the start of 2027, initially on three state roads. The annual vignette is expected to cost between 650 and 1,000 euros.

The Economic Chamber of Lower Austria said the toll would affect not only transit traffic but also traders, tradespeople, producers, service providers and consumers throughout the supply chain.

“If transport becomes more expensive, products on the shelves also become more expensive,” chamber president Wolfgang Ecker said. He warned that repeated new charges could make it harder to maintain reliable supplies, particularly in rural areas.

More than 80 percent of transported goods travel no farther than 80 kilometres, the chamber said. Lower Austrian businesses delivering to customers in Burgenland, supplying construction sites or providing services there would also be affected.

Bus companies could face additional costs as well, potentially affecting school trips, club outings and excursions. Ecker called on Burgenland Governor Hans Peter Doskozil and the state government to use the consultation period to withdraw the plans.