From 31 August, German and foreign lorries with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 12 tonnes or more will have to pay a toll on German motorways. The amount of the charge will be calculated based on the number of axles on the lorry and its category in terms of carbon monoxide emissions. This system, based on satellite navigation (GPS) and the mobile network (GSM – Global System for Mobile Communications), has been set up by Toll Collect GmbH. There will be around 3,500 payment points in Germany where it will be possible to pay by credit card or cash. The German authorities have estimated that motorway maintenance costs an average of 15 cents per lorry per kilometre. The kilometre charge will partly finance this maintenance. There will be around 3,500 payment points in Germany where it will be possible to pay by credit card or cash. The German authorities have estimated that motorway maintenance costs an average of 15 cents per lorry per kilometre. The kilometre charge will partly finance this maintenance.