Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) has indicated that he does not rule out the future introduction of a toll for passenger cars. Speaking to the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung” (FAS), he noted that the current system of truck tolls is a proven and effective way to finance transportation infrastructure. However, he added that while the topic of car tolls frequently arises-especially during vacation season when many travelers are required to pay tolls in other countries-it is not on the agenda for the current legislative term. He declined to comment on the situation after this term ends.
Transport experts have long argued for introducing car tolls as a way to ensure the long-term, stable funding of road networks. Such usage fees are now common across most European countries, with Belgium being one of the most recent to announce the introduction of similar charges.
Bilger also emphasized the need for a sustainable, long-term financing strategy for transportation infrastructure. He informed the FAS that significant funds have been allocated for infrastructure through a special state fund, stating his commitment to ensuring that this money is actually used for construction. Despite this, the minister stressed that immediate planning is necessary to secure future funding. Preventing a recurrence of major budget problems once the special fund is depleted is paramount, underscoring the need to maintain necessary infrastructure investments.
Bilger took over the ministerial post on July 29 from Patrick Schnieder (CDU). Reports indicated that Schnieder had fallen out of favor with Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) because he deemed the resources provided by the special fund insufficient. Furthermore, Bilger has past experience with related funding issues. Years ago, while serving as State Secretary under Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer (CSU), a planned “foreigners’ toll” failed when challenged before the European Court of Justice.
