The French Finance Minister has announced plans to renegotiate the contract concluded with the Italian-led consortium Ecomouv. The contract is charged with implementation of the country’s controversial heavy goods vehicle (HGV) eco tax, to minimize the cost of the levy for taxpayers in France.

The French Finance Minister has emphasized that although the HGV tax has been suspended in the wake of ongoing public demonstrations, the intention of the government is still that the levy will be introduced. The tax has only been suspended until the Government reaches a consensus that enables the levy to be implemented.  The HGV eco tax was due to enter into force in France on January 1, 2014.