Recommendations for a strategy aimed at internalizing the external costs of freight transport by road

The Scientific Advisory Council has recommended a modified strategy for the internalization of external costs in order to avoid any intra- and inter-modal distortion in regard to competition. This also covers trans-border traffic. Furthermore, the proposed modifications are to ensure adequate cost transparency and step-by-step implementation, while the concerned parties are to be given ample notice of the time frame for the proposed changes. The revenue generated from the fees associated with internalization is to be used for the investment needed to minimize damages, also as an incentive for technical and organizational innovations in road transport and for enhancing the acceptance of an internalization strategy.