Croatian Highways Finally Equalize ENC Discounts!
Did you know that heavy vehicles have been enjoying way bigger discounts on tolls than light vehicles for years? Yes, you read that right! Croatian Highways (HAC) haven’t raised tolls for heavy vehicles in 20 years, and seasonal and other discounts for heavy vehicles were way more generous. But starting July 1, 2024, that’s changing — and drastically!
What’s going on?
HAC is equalizing all the incentive discounts for electronic toll collection (ENC). All users, whether driving light or heavy vehicles, will get the same 21.74% discount on prepaid and postpaid models. Previously, heavy vehicles had discounts as high as 30.43% on the postpaid model, while light vehicles often got much less.
Seasonal discounts? Forget about it!
The seasonal discount of 33.48% used by heavy vehicle users on the prepaid model from November 1 to March 31 is being scrapped! Now everyone will have the same discount year-round, meaning heavy vehicles lose a big chunk of their perks.
Emission discounts — another blow
But wait, there’s more. HAC is also cutting emission discounts, which have encouraged the use of vehicles with lower harmful emissions. Euro V and EEV vehicles will see discounts cut from 5% to 3%, and Euro VI vehicles from 12% to 7%. The emission discount for Euro IV vehicles is completely removed, even though these vehicles have been without such discounts in other European countries for two years.
Why all this?
HAC says the goal of equalizing discounts is a fairer and more sustainable toll system that balances users and continues investment in modern, safe, and efficient road infrastructure. The new system will also comply with European standards.
End of perks or start of fairness?
Some will say this finally removes injustice and treats all toll users equally. Others will shout that heavy vehicles, which damage roads the most, are finally being fairly charged. But some will complain that emission discounts for eco-friendly vehicles are cut just when environmental protection matters more than ever.
What do you think?
Is equalizing ENC discounts a refreshing system update or just another way to squeeze drivers? Are emission discount cuts a step backward in the fight for cleaner air? Or is this just a logical step toward a fairer system? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or tell a funny toll story — because who really loves paying more?
Either way, from July 1, 2024, HAC is changing the game. Get ready for new numbers on your bill and maybe fewer smiles.
Source: HAC, Biznis Kurir, Index.hr
