Heavy traffic tax: missed revenue and control gaps

Context

In brief

• New NMTS system replaces the previous TTPCP
• Quadri denounces gaps in controls and risks of fraud
• Asks for clarifications from the Federal Council

Key facts

• What: Collection of heavy traffic tax
• When: Reviewed in recent years
• Where: Swiss borders
• Who: Lorenzo Quadri, Federal Council
• Amount: Not specified

In recent years, the system for collecting the performance-related heavy traffic tax (TTPCP) has undergone a thorough review, transitioning to a new system called NMTS. This change has involved abandoning a previously reliable and difficult-to-evade model based on customs records, vehicle data checks (weight, EURO category, kilometers traveled), and cross-checks through dedicated infrastructure. According to various reports from industry operators, the current system, however, presents serious operational and control gaps, with a concrete risk of inaccurate or fraudulent declarations by drivers or transport companies. In particular, the new model relies on self-declarations (even through digital applications), without adequate tools for immediate verification by the authorities. Furthermore, the possibility of modifying the declared data after exiting Swiss territory makes controls even more difficult.

Interpellation to the Federal Council

Lorenzo Quadri, a League councilor, has written an interpellation to the Federal Council to request clarifications on the effectiveness of the new NMTS system compared to the previous TTPCP. The questions raised concern the current evaluation of the system, the reduction of operational competencies of customs authorities, the role of private operators in managing and controlling the system, any persistent malfunctions of computer systems, the operational status of the scanner for checking heavy vehicles at the Chiasso border crossing, and security against illicit trafficking.

Implications for cross-border workers

The gaps in the heavy traffic tax collection system could also have implications for cross-border workers who work in Switzerland. Indeed, a less effective system could lead to increased costs for transport companies, which could transfer these costs to their clients, including cross-border workers who use transport services for work-related travel.

Comparisons with the previous system

The previous TTPCP system was considered reliable and difficult to evade thanks to customs records and cross-checks. The new NMTS system, based on self-declarations, presents greater risks of fraud and inaccurate declarations. This could lead to a reduction in tax revenues for Switzerland and an increase in costs for transport companies.

Possible scenarios

If the NMTS system is not adequately corrected, there could be an increase in fraud and a reduction in tax revenues. This could lead to an increase in taxes to compensate for the losses, with consequent negative impacts on the Swiss economy and cross-border workers in the country.

Procedure for checks

Customs authorities should implement stricter checks to verify the self-declarations of drivers and transport companies. This could include the use of advanced technologies for monitoring vehicles and the implementation of more severe penalties for violations.

Verification tools

Authorities should invest in immediate verification tools to check drivers' self-declarations. This could include the use of scanners for checking heavy vehicles and the implementation of real-time vehicle tracking systems.

Immediate actions

Authorities should take immediate measures to correct the gaps in the NMTS system. This could include increasing customs checks, implementing advanced technologies for vehicle monitoring, and introducing more severe penalties for violations.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

Gaps in the heavy traffic tax collection system could have a significant impact on the Swiss economy and cross-border workers employed in the country. In particular, a less effective system could lead to increased costs for transport companies, which could pass these costs on to their customers, including cross-border workers who use transport services for work-related travel.

Impact on Transport Companies

Transport companies could face increased costs due to gaps in the heavy traffic tax collection system. This could lead to higher prices for transport services, with negative consequences for companies that use these services for work-related travel.

Impact on Cross-Border Workers

Cross-border workers employed in Switzerland could face increased costs for transport services, with negative consequences for their purchasing power. Additionally, a less effective system could lead to increased taxes to compensate for losses, with further negative impacts on the Swiss economy.

Comparisons with Other Countries

Switzerland could compare itself with other European countries that have implemented more effective heavy traffic tax collection systems. This could lead to a competitive advantage for these countries, with negative consequences for the Swiss economy.

Future Scenarios

If the NMTS system is not adequately corrected, there could be an increase in fraud and a reduction in tax revenues. This could lead to increased taxes to compensate for losses, with negative consequences for the Swiss economy and cross-border workers employed in the country.

Corrective Actions

Swiss authorities should take immediate measures to correct the gaps in the NMTS system. This could include increased customs controls, the implementation of advanced technologies for vehicle monitoring, and the introduction of more severe penalties for violations.

Investments in Technology

Swiss authorities should invest in advanced technologies for vehicle monitoring and the implementation of real-time tracking systems. This could include the use of scanners for checking heavy vehicles and the implementation of immediate verification systems for drivers' self-declarations.

International Collaboration

Switzerland could collaborate with other European countries to implement more effective heavy traffic tax collection systems. This could include the exchange of information and the sharing of advanced technologies for vehicle monitoring.

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Key points

Concrete action

For cross-border workers employed in Switzerland, it is important to be aware of the possible implications of gaps in the heavy traffic tax collection system. In particular, it is crucial to monitor any increases in transportation service costs and take measures to minimize the negative impacts on purchasing power.

Cost monitoring

Cross-border workers should carefully monitor the costs of transportation services and compare them with the average market costs. In case of significant increases, it is important to contact the competent authorities to report any irregularities.

Use of alternative services

Cross-border workers might consider using alternative transportation services to reduce costs. This could include using public transportation or carpooling services for work commutes.

Verification of self-declarations

Transport companies should carefully verify the self-declarations of drivers and transport companies to ensure compliance with current regulations. This could include using advanced technologies for vehicle monitoring and implementing immediate verification systems.

Collaboration with authorities

Transport companies should collaborate with the competent authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations. This could include participating in training programs and implementing advanced monitoring systems.

Use of calculation tools

Cross-border workers can use calculation tools to monitor the costs of transportation services and compare them with the average market costs. This can help identify any irregularities and take measures to minimize the negative impacts on purchasing power. For more information, visit the transport cost calculator.

Source: ticinonews.ch