OUT WITH THE OLD The current EurovIgnette Directive 1999/68/EC (as
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amended by Directive 2006/38/EC) only applies to the Trans-European Network (TEN) specifically designated international roads linking member states. It prohibits member states from charging vehicles above 12 tonnes (3.5 tonnes from 2012) for external costs on roads that are part of TEN. On other roads, member states may charge what they want for vehicles below 12 tonnes, as long as they respect the general rules of the Treaty of the European Union, notably non-discrimination and proportionality. The new draft text applies Eurovignetle rules to all TEN roads and to those which "customarily carry a significant volume of international goods transport". From 2012 the rules would extend to vehicles above 3.5 tonnes. Cities would maintain their right to impose local charges, such as London's congestion charge.