FISCAL MEASURES AS PART OF A EUROPEAN POLICY ON FREIGHT TRANSPORT

Abstract

View fiscal measures as an important tool to tackle the environmental problems posed by road haulage. Focuses on the possibility of increasing excise duties on motor fuels. First describes the environmental and economic rationales behind such a measure. Presents a rough estimate of the level of excise duty needed to cover the full costs of road transportation. Summarizes the main environmental and economic effects of higher fuel prices. Includes a brief discussion of the implications of transport prices for income distribution and for the position of the peripheral regions in the Community. (A)