Establishing criteria for calculating the tax/road tolling for vehicles used for timber transport on forest roads

Abstract

The article presents four principles for calculating the toll for vehicles running on forest roads, whether they transport timber or other materials. Based on the discussions with the representatives of the National Forest Administration ROMSILVA RA, the ideas that formed the basis of establishing the calculation principles were outlined. Thus, the first principle involves the establishment of a charge at toll based on the volume of timber harvested and transported on the road, length of the forest roads network and investments on these roads. Taking these aspects into consideration for a period of four years, and the specific weight of the transported material, it reaches a value that will be applied to each cubic meter, under the conditions that does not exceed the maximum permissible total weight. If maximum permissible total weight exceeded, it is recommended to double the value. The second principle involves the establishment of a tool based on the method of calculating the fund for accessing the forest fund. The third principle aims presume to introduce a "Forest Vignette ", similar to the one on national roads, and imposing sanctions under the conditions of exceeding the maximum permissible total weight. Principle four involves differential application of the road tolling according to the type of vehicle, taking into account the wheel-road contact, axle number and axle load. After analyzing the four principles, it is considered that the most viable principle to be applied at national level for forest roads under administration of ROMSILVA RA is the second one.