Older villagers in danger: toll regulation threatens rolling supermarket
Older villagers in danger: toll regulation threatens rolling supermarket
The introduction of an extended toll obligation in Germany could have serious consequences for the operation of Aaron's rolling supermarket in the Enzkreis. In particular, the older and less mobile people in rural areas that rely on this mobile shopping are affected. The rolling supermarket is operated by Aaron Daubner and his father Michael and plays a crucial role in the care of these communities.
The father-son duo regularly crosses the area from Calw to Ludwigsburg to bring food to the residents. In many rural places, the next inpatient supermarket is several kilometers away, which is a significant challenge, especially for older people who are often not mobile. With the new toll regulation, however, the company now sees itself against a difficult situation.
Toll requirement starts at 3.5 tons
Since July 1, 2024, a toll has been due for all vehicles with a permissible total mass of more than 3.5 tons. The financial effects for companies such as Aarons rolling supermarket are enormous, with monthly costs of an estimated over 1,000 euros, depending on the pollutant class of the vehicle. This not only represents an economic burden for the Daubner, but could also cause you to increase your prices to cover the additional costs.
The two operators are now forced to either convert them directly to their customers or to set their services. Michael Daubner expresses: "With this problem, there is only one solution in principle: the toll flipped to the customers or we can no longer get." It is a difficult choice because many customers may not be able to pay the higher prices.
The importance of the rolling supermarket
For the parishioners, Aarons rolling supermarket is much more than just a shop. A resident from Enzklösterle describes: "We don't have a supermarket otherwise. Somehow we have to buy something." This mobile solution not only has practical use, but is also an important social interaction for older people who often suffer from loneliness. Mayor Sabine Zenker sums it up: "The remedy for loneliness here is: Aarons rolling supermarket."
The responsible senior representative Claudia Ollenhauer also advocates receiving this offer and emphasizes: "That would be fatal, both for these small companies and for the citizens, who sometimes do not have the surcharge, which is then necessary, which is then necessary Numbers. “
The mayor has already taken steps to apply for an exemption for the rolling market. She turned directly to the member of the Bundestag Klaus Mack (CDU) and received the answer that no exemption could be granted. However, this has not taken away the determination to continue to fight for a solution. Your goal is clear: she wants to make sure that purchasing in the Enzkreis will continue to be possible in the future.
Mayor Zenker is actively committed to ensuring that Aaron's rolling supermarket remains present in the village.
The first monthly statement for the Daubners is scheduled at the end of August. It remains to be seen what financial effects the new toll regulation will actually have for the two and whether they find a way to continue to go into the needs of their customers.
look into the future
The rolling supermarket exemplifies an example of a major problem in rural areas, where older and less mobile citizens in particular make access to important services. The effects of toll obligation on such initiatives should therefore be carefully pursued because it is crucial for the quality of life in these regions.
The introduction of the new toll obligation has also led to discussions and challenges for mobile forms of sales such as the rolling supermarkets in other regions. Such services in rural areas are of great importance in Germany, since they represent an essential connection between the residents and the supply of food. This particularly affects older people and people with limited mobility, which are often dependent on such offers in order to meet their daily needs.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, more than 18 million people lived in Germany in 2021, which is a significant part of the population. Many of these older people live in rural regions where the infrastructure is not always optimal. The elimination of rolling markets could therefore have far -reaching negative consequences for the quality of life of this age group. The dependence on a functioning local supply offer shows how important it is to take such topics into account in the political discussion.
political framework and the current toll regulation
The current toll regulation, which has been in force since July 1, 2024, aims to tax the use of roads through heavy commercial vehicles and thus finance the maintenance of the infrastructure. This regulation is part of a broader transport and environmental policy that aims to regulate heavy traffic and at the same time promote more environmentally friendly transport methods.
Critics of the toll regulation argue that the increased costs can not only burden smaller companies, but also consumers. The monthly costs of over 1,000 euros for the toll, estimated by the Daubner's estimated to be forced to increase prices, which would ultimately have to be borne by the already financially burdened seniors.
Additional information on the handicrafts
There are various exemptions in Germany from toll, especially for craft businesses that are freed from the toll under certain conditions. These so -called craft exceptions are intended to ensure that manual services remain affordable and that there are no additional costs for customers. However, the regulation shows that there is an unequal access to these exceptions, which is perceived by many as unfair.
This discrepancy in toll policy could lead to other mobile service providers, such as Aaron's rolling supermarket, are increasingly committed to recognition and equal treatment in legislation. It remains to be seen to what extent such concerns will be reflected in future political discussions.