A significant change to Dutch road charging legislation is set to come into force on 1st July 2026, introducing a new distance‑based toll for trucks above 3.5 tonnes. The reform marks the end of the Eurovignette system in the Netherlands and reflects a wider European trend toward cost models linked to road usage, emissions, and network sustainability.

How the New System Works

 The upcoming toll will apply to both domestic and foreign‑registered heavy goods vehicles travelling on most national motorways and selected municipal or provincial corridors. Charges will be calculated based on:

• Total kilometres driven
• Vehicle category, weight, and emissions performance
• The use of a mandatory on‑Board Unit (OBU) to capture distance travelled, with EETS‑compatible devices recommended for cross‑border operations

Although the Dutch authorities have not yet published final tariffs, industry expectations suggest the new system may introduce higher operating costs for certain vehicle classes – particularly where long‑distance road legs are common.

What This Means for Supply Chains

As logistics providers across Europe adapt their pricing structures to the updated toll model, businesses may experience noticeable changes in transport cost predictability and route planning. For organisations moving goods into, out of, or through the Netherlands, understanding these implications early is essential to ensure cost‑effective and resilient operations.

How Ellerman City Liners Can Support You

Shortsea shipping continues to offer a strong alternative to long‑haul road transport, helping reduce exposure to land‑based tolls, congestion, and emissions‑linked charges.
Ellerman City Liners provides reliable, frequent services connecting key European gateways – supporting customers with stable pricing, sustainability advantages, and a simplified regulatory landscape.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as official information is released.

For tailored guidance or to explore alternative routeing options, our regional teams are ready to help:

UK: UK_sales@ellermanlines.com
Poland: PL_sales@ellermanlines.com
Spain: ES_sales@ellermanlines.com
Portugal: PT_sales@ellermanlines.com
Latvia: LV_sales@ellermanlines.com

Explore our European shortsea services: https://ellermanlines.com/services-ellerman-city-liners/