Russia plans satellite-based mileage fee for trucks

The 6032 Russian Ministry of Transport has prepared a government draft decree that will require all commercial vehicles over 12 tons to pay a toll for each kilometre driven on federal roads. A unified fee collecting operator will be set up, which will equip all heavyweight vehicles with on-board units. The devices will determine the vehicle's route by using Glonass satellite navigation, and calculate a fee for roadway damage. The rates will be set by the government, but a charge of US$0.11 per kilometre is currently being considered. According to the market players, this measure will lead to a minimum 10 per cent increase of the transportation prices.