A new system of road tolls slapped on freight haulers for noise pollution in the EU will only have a “limited effect” for Maltese truckers and its exports, according to the government.

The European Parliament this week gave its green light to member states to start charging road freighters for the air and noise pollution they cause while using motorways.

Member states already charge tolls on trucks heavier than 3.5 tons. Through this latest directive, expected to come into force within two years, the levies have been extended to air and noise pollution and cover a wider network of roads usually used by truckers carrying freight across the EU.

As a country on the periphery, Malta originally opposed the directive arguing countries on the edge of the continent would be disadvantaged. But other member states had it their way.

A government spokesman said that, although Malta maintained its reservations against increased road freight charges, the government found the approved text of the directive to be acceptable. “It is pertinent to note that the Maltese hauling fleet is considered to be a modern one. Therefore, the directive is expected to have limited effect on charges incurred by Maltese haulers if applied by member states,” the spokesman said.

He said the proposed directive, known as Eurovignette, was expected to provide haulers with a better European transport system in the long run because it urged countries to use the revenue generated from road tolls to improve the network.

Costs for truckers and Maltese freight in general are still expected to increase as a result of the directive.

The toll system in many European countries is related to the cost of the infrastructure at about 15c to 25c per kilometre. The new directive allows them to charge an extra 3-4c per kilometre to reflect the cost to public health caused by air and noise pollution.

Road authorities will also be able to vary tolls by up to 175 per cent during the day in an attempt to control congestion, such as charging more during rush hours.

Member states must invest 15 per cent of the revenue generated from tolls on improving European transport links.

Almost all member states on the mainland charge tolls. These include Italy, France, Germany and Austria, which are used by Maltese truckers.

Malta does not apply any toll system as all its traffic is generated locally.