Last year, Flanders issued 19 million euros of fines for truck drivers who did not comply with the rules on kilometer tax. That is a record since the system was introduced in 2016.

Most of the fines – almost 80 percent – ​​were intended for foreign trucks. The Netherlands, Poland, and Spain, in particular, took the cake. However, foreign truckers are defaulters. It is striking that 5.1 million euros, or more than a quarter of the fines, have not yet been paid. Spain, in particular, has the largest outstanding debt.

Record fines and taxes

Not only did the fines set a record, but also the kilometer tax itself: in 2023, Flanders received 565 million euros – 21 million more than in 2022 and even 35 million more than in 2021. Last year, the Flemish government approved an extension of the kilometer charge, which has been in force on many secondary roads since January 1st.

During a joint inspection by the police and the Flemish Tax Authorities (Vlaamse Belastingsdienst, VLABEL), a total of €12,478.77 in overdue traffic taxes was collected.