(ANSA-AP) - BERLIN, JUNE 18 - The European Court of Justice
has ruled that highway tolls in Germany are illegal because they
unfairly penalize drivers from other European Union countries.
The Luxembourg court's ruling Tuesday means Germany will have
to drop or revise its highway toll system.
The case was brought by Austria, which complained that the
levies of up to 130 euros ($146) a year are discriminatory and
therefore illegal under EU law. All motorists have to pay the
toll according to their vehicle's size and engine type, but
German taxpayers can file for refunds.
The European Commission initially rejected the toll system on
similar grounds to those Austria cited in its court challenge,
but later approved an amended version that was intended to
address its concerns. (ANSA-AP).
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