Bavaria, South Tyrol and Trentino study variable Brenner toll

The study is to clarify within 2026 whether a time-graded toll is technically, legally and economically feasible and can shift freight traffic out of peak times and relieve the Brenner motorway; first simulations show that much higher peak-time tolls deter trips at those times. Deliberations on a digital slot system are on hold because of Italy's lawsuit against the traffic restrictions of the state of Tyrol.

Bavaria, South Tyrol and Trentino launched a joint feasibility study on a variable toll for freight traffic on the Brenner axis in May 2026 with a meeting of their working group; it is to be finished within 2026. The study examines technical, legal and economic feasibility, the traffic effect and the consequences for traffic flows, the environment and the economy; the principle is higher toll rates in peak hours and lower ones in quiet time slots, so that freight moves out of the peaks. Bavaria's transport minister Christian Bernreiter does not consider block clearance of lorries and night driving bans to be solutions, and South Tyrol's mobility councillor Daniel Alfreider calls for coordinated cross-border measures; a digital slot system is on hold because of Italy's lawsuit against Tyrolean traffic restrictions. (LOK Report, 27 May 2026)