WRITTEN QUESTION E-2098/98

by Friedhelm Frischenschlager (ELDR) to the Commission

(10 July 1998)

Subject: Transport policy

1. To what extent will it be possible within the Europe-wide road-pricing system announced by the Commission to take account of the different transport policy conditions in individual regions, in particular in the Alpine region, and the differing pressures which result?

2. To what extent does the non-discrimination principle between forms of transport permit a differentiated policy which favours water and rail transport over road transport? Is the Commission considering abandoning this outdated principle?

3. What transport policy initiatives has Austria started in order to alleviate the Brenner Pass transit problems for the population and for transport operators and to bring about a solution to the problem? Which proposals for solutions have come specifically from the Tyrol European region?

4. What actual proposals have been made, do they include practical funding ideas and are they, in line with the Commission's views, proposals likely to produce solutions which are also compatible with EU law?

5. Has Austria applied for funding from the Commission for the expansion of the Kufstein-Brenner railway line?

If so, how much funding was requested and was it approved?

If not, does the Commission know of applications by Austria to other EU or EU-connected bodies (e.g. the EIB) for this purpose? Can the Commission provide information on the amount for which these applications have been made or on their approval?

Answer given by Mr Kinnock on behalf of the Commission

(18 September 1998)

1. The Commission has not "announced" a Europe-wide road pricing system. The White Paper published by the Commission in July set out a practical approach to infrastructure charging in the Community, which aims to relate charges more directly and fairly to the real costs of using roads and other transport infrastructures. Such charges should be differentiated and should cover not only the infrastructure damage and operating costs but also progressively the environmental (air, water and noise pollution) costs and the congestion costs, wherever they exist. A system with these characteristics would allow the particular circumstances of different Member States and regions to be taken into account.

2. To the extent that the various modes of transport have different external effects, policies based on uniform principles will affect the modes in different ways. However, no question of discrimination arises.

3. The Commission recommends that the Honourable Member address to the Austrian government his questions relating to initiatives which Austria has taken in connection with problems on the Brenner pass and proposals coming from Tirol.

4. The same applies to the question concerning the content of any such proposals. Concrete proposals to solve transit problems will always be judged by the Commission on their compatibility with Community law.

5. From 1995 to 1998, the Commission agreed to grant financial assistance under the trans-European transport network budget line for planning and design studies (Baureifplanung) for the third and fourth track of the Kufstein - Innsbruck section of the Brenner railway line. The Commission also co-financed minor preparatory works on this section. Total assistance granted during the 1995-1998 period amounts to ECU 32,9 million.

Studies on economic, financial and legal aspects of the entire Brenner railway line (München - Verona), jointly undertaken by the Austrian, German and Italian governments, were also co-financed under the trans-European transport networks budget line. A total of ECU 2,3 million was granted in 1995 and 1996.