WRITTEN QUESTION P-2694/03 by Mathieu Grosch (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Introduction of motorway charging in Germany.
Date: 2003-09-02
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Germany, commercial vehicle, electronic device, restriction on competition, road transport, toll, transport company, vehicle parts

C 65 E/194

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

13.3.2004

(2004/C 65 E/210)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2692/03

by Christopher Heaton-Harris (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 September 2003)

Subject: Budgetary accounts

When will the Commission start to use double-entry bookkeeping in its budgetary accounts?

Answer given by Mrs Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(2 October 2003)

The use of double-entry bookkeeping in the budgetary accounts is not required by Article 137 of the
Financial Regulation (1), nor under
(IPSAS).
Nevertheless, the Commission is examining whether it is feasible to introduce double-entry booking for
the budgetary accounts within its project for the modernisation of its accounting system by 2005. If it
proves feasible, and of demonstrated added value, it will be introduced in 2005.

the International Public Sector Accounting Standards

The Commission’s general accounts are kept by double-entry bookkeeping,
requirements of Article 134 of the Financial Regulation.

in accordance with the

(1) Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the

general budget of the European Communities, OJ L 248, 16.9.2002.

(2004/C 65 E/211)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2694/03

by Mathieu Grosch (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(2 September 2003)

Subject: Introduction of motorway charging in Germany

Following the Commission’s most recent decision, I note that the key element in the introduction of
German motorway charging has not been resolved.

It has been confirmed by all the players concerned and by German ministers that OBUs (on-board units)
are the cheapest and most effective means of paying motorway tolls.

It has been proved that the German Government is unable to meet the demand from haulage firms, which
constitutes distortion of the market and a barrier to fair competition.

Even worse, Toll Collect has just confirmed to a Belgian firm that it cannot fit units to more than 75 % of
the firm’s vehicles.

On the basis of reliable sources, I can confirm that many of the units made available to hauliers, including
Belgian and Dutch firms, are faulty. Added to this is the fact that some German firms will supposedly have
units fitted to all of their vehicles.

Can the Commission carry out an investigation into Toll Collect’s inability to meet the demand from
European haulage firms and into the serious complaint made by the sector, to the effect that some firms
are placed at an advantage over others?

13.3.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 65 E/195

Answer given by Ms de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(2 October 2003)

It emerges from different sources that the system of motorway charging in Germany could cause transport
problems for road haulage firms. This is because of the limited availability of OBUs (on-board units), the
necessary stopping time at paypoints,
the additional administrative costs incurred by the firms,
discrimination between German operators and operators from other Member States etc.

In accordance with Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 1999
on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (1),
(the ‘Eurovignette’
Directive), motorway tolls must be implemented and collected, and their payment controlled ‘in such a
way as to cause as little hindrance as possible to the free flow of traffic’. The Directive also provides that
the tolls are implemented without discrimination, either direct or indirect, on the grounds of
the
nationality of the haulage firm, or the origin or destination of the transport operation.

The Commission initiated the State aid procedure on 23 July 2003 (2)
in respect of the measure in
question. Furthermore, the Commission and the German Government agreed at the end of August 2003 to
set up a temporary working group composed of representatives of both the Commission and Germany.
The road haulage sector will also be linked to this group, which will examine the different technical issues
that arise in this connection.

The mission of this working group is to follow the different stages of the introduction of motorway
charging in Germany. It will aim to ensure that in practice the technical arrangements conform with
Directive 1999/62/CE and with the EC Treaty, guaranteeing in particular that the principles of free
movement of goods, and of non-discrimination are respected.

The creation of this group clearly does not prejudice the right of the Commission, in accordance with the
EC Treaty, to initiate infringement proceedings, if need be, against Germany. This initiative has however,
the clear advantage of being able to tackle all of the difficulties concerning the application of the new
system, before the effective levying of the toll on 2 November 2003, and involving the players concerned.

(1) OJ L 187, 20.7.1999.
(2) OJ C 202, 27.8.2003.

(2004/C 65 E/212)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2710/03

by Kathleen Van Brempt (PSE) to the Commission

(11 September 2003)

Subject: Incense

In Ireland there is currently a debate about the health effects of burning incense. Jim McDade, a minister in
the Irish government, has issued a warning about the potentially carcinogenic effects of smoke from
incense.

Is the Commission aware of this debate?

What, in the Commission’s view, are the health risks associated with inhaling smoke from incense?

If it is harmful, what steps will the Commission take to warn the public?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(3 November 2003)

There are no special European regulations concerning health warnings on commercial products containing
incense such as incense cones or candles.