A directive approved by the European Parliament will ensure that revenue from these charges is used to improve the performance of transport systems and cut pollution. On average, 3 to 4 euro cents per vehicle/km may be added to charges for using transport infrastructure to cover the external costs of road haulage. The directive will cover not only trans-European transport (TEN-T) networks, but all motorways, and will apply to vehicles of over 3.5 tonnes.

The new directive still needs to be formally approved by EU Member States. Once it is published in the Official Journal, the Member States might opt to apply it. If so, Member States firmly commit themselves to invest 15% of overall revenue in TEN-T networks. The remaining amounts should be used to reduce damage to the environment and develop all transport systems sustainably.

MEPs intend with this measure avoiding traffic jams, to manage traffic flows more effectively without generating more revenue. Indeed, charges may be varied by up to 175% in congested areas, with the highest charges applying during five rush hours, and lower rates at all other times. The European Commission will make available a list of charges and the times whey they apply throughout the EU, to enable hauliers to calculate their costs and plan routes.

Lorries with the least-polluting engines will be exempt from air pollution charges until 1 January 2014 (EURO V emission class), and until 1 January 2018 for EURO VI. In sensitive and mountainous regions, the existing "mark-up" of up to 25% may continue to apply and may be added to the external costs charged for lorries in the heaviest pollution classes (EURO 0 to II). From 1 January 2015 it may also be extended to the EURO III class.