92003E2030

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2030/03

by Jaime Valdivielso de Cué (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(12 June 2003)

Subject: Geographical toll

The French authorities have announced their intention to levy a new geographical tax on all heavy goods vehicles within the country's territory, over and above the motorway tolls already paid there.

This would constitute a blatant distortion of the proper functioning of the single market. What steps will the Commission take vis-à-vis France to ensure the proper functioning of the market in the event of the geographical toll being introduced?

To what extent might this measure constitute a violation of the principle of non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality within the European Union?

Finally, what effect would this measure have on the free movement of goods?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(16 July 2003)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the reply it gave to Oral Question H-0383/03 by Mr Perez Alvarez during question time at Parliament's July 2003 part-session(1).

(1) Written answer of 1.7.2003.