BLV-pro e.V. Demonstrates in Heilbronn Against the Toll Increase

Transport entrepreneurs and BLV-pro e.V. demonstrate against unfair logistics competition and toll increase. On November 4, nearly 300 vehicles joined the call for a protest demonstration by transport entrepreneurs in cooperation with BLV-pro e.V. The event took place at the Theresienwiese in Heilbronn.

(Zossen/Heilbronn) Konstantin Popov, chairman of BLV-pro e.V., impressively explained the current situation of unfair logistics competition in the EU and the effects of the toll increase. The protest event highlighted the dissatisfaction, anger, and disappointment of citizens, entrepreneurs, and farmers regarding the actions of the traffic light coalition. The roaring truck horns made the discontent loudly audible. The participants sent a clear signal against the toll increase, unfair competition, and high prices with their commitment.

BLV-pro e.V. explicitly distances itself from any right-wing or extremist groups that might attempt to exploit the protest movement for their purposes. The focus is solely on the joint protest of transport companies with their drivers. BLV-pro e.V. is convinced that further protest events will follow, such as on the same day in Bünde/NRW with about 100 trucks at the initiative of the transport entrepreneurs.

Next time it could be 1,000 vehicles

A stormy protest winter is ahead, and politics should prepare for it. Starting December 1, 2023, when small and medium-sized transport companies suffer and supply chains are endangered, it will be clear to everyone: The train does not reach the field and not even the supermarket! Thomas Hansche, spokesperson for BLV-pro e.V., emphasized: On November 4, there were nearly 300 vehicles, but next time it could be 1,000. The freight forwarders must not be angered, as the entire economy and supply depend on them. Demonstrations could take place nationwide over several days in the future. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 80% of the entire truck fleet in Germany, while large logistics companies often do not even own their own trucks. Laws have been passed without adequately considering the voices of the industry. If the wheels come to a standstill, empty supermarket shelves threaten after two days. BLV-pro e.V. urgently advises politics to reconsider the toll increase of 83%.

Konstantin Popov added that alternative drives and infrastructure are simply not available on the market. Therefore, the toll increase was a misguided decision by politics that does not achieve climate goals. He argued that the toll increase is just as ineffective for environmental protection and climate goals as the vehicle tax concerning road damage. Moreover, the toll increase is the largest inflation driver in German history and additionally burdens the citizens.

Commercial diesel could mean possible relief

Transport companies can only partially pass on the toll increase, but they still have to pre-finance it. The liquidity of the entrepreneurs is already exhausted and poses a serious threat. Entrepreneurs need legally shortened payment terms of a maximum of 14 days to avoid having to wait for their money, while 60 days or more are currently common in the industry. The introduction of commercial diesel starting January 1, 2024, could provide possible relief for companies that cannot pass on the costs to their customers, and also for citizens, as transport costs would not rise so rapidly.

Photo: © BLV-pro