OREANDA-NEWS. The chaotic introduction of the Belgian HGV toll today has seen huge queues of trucks at borders and in many areas in Belgium as transport operators and drivers are unable to obtain the necessary On-Board-Units (OBUs) required by the tolling system. IRU is as a result calling for a transition period before the start of enforcement of the toll until the teething problems can be properly addressed.

IRU would like to recall that the road freight transport sector has done everything possible to prepare in time for compliance with the new Belgian toll. It received assurances from the authorities and the responsible tolling operator that the system would be implemented smoothly and functioning OBU's would be available in sufficient numbers, which unfortunately has proven not to be the case until now.

IRU continues to monitor the situation.