STOP! What’s Going On With Croatian Toll Roads?
If you thought Croatian tolls were boring and unchanging, get ready for a shock! After a whopping 20 years, Croatian Highways (HAC) are finally shaking things up. Starting July 1st, all users of electronic toll collection (ENC) will get unified discounts, meaning the end of heavy vehicle perks and new chances for light vehicle drivers.
What’s Changing?
Until now, heavy vehicles enjoyed discounts as high as 30.43% on prepaid models and seasonal discounts of 33.48%. But now – that’s over! Discounts for heavy vehicles are dropping to 21.74%, the same as for light vehicles. Seasonal discounts for heavy vehicles on prepaid models are being scrapped. For light vehicles, seasonal discounts remain the same, and postpaid users now get the same 21.74% discount as prepaid users.
Why the Change?
HAC says the system was unfair and unsustainable. Heavy vehicles weren’t paying their fair share of infrastructure costs, yet got bigger discounts. This change is a step toward a fairer, more sustainable system aligned with European standards.
Emission Discounts? Yep, Those Are Changing Too!
Discounts for low-emission vehicles are shrinking: Euro V and EEV from 5% to 3%, Euro VI from 12% to 7%, and Euro IV discounts are completely gone. The goal is to encourage low or zero-emission vehicles, but is this the right way?
What Does This Mean for Drivers?
If you drive a heavy vehicle, get ready to pay more than before. If you drive a light vehicle, you might like the unified discount, but seasonal discounts still only apply to prepaid users. Overall, HAC wants a fairer system, but is it really fair or just another way to squeeze more cash from drivers?
The Bottom Line
After two decades of no changes, HAC finally decided to shake up the toll system. But will this bring real balance or just confuse and annoy drivers even more? One thing’s for sure – Croatian tolls will never be the same.
So, what do you think? Fair changes or just another trick to squeeze drivers? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, or crack a joke about tolls. Because if we can’t laugh, what’s left?