On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, members of the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee adopted their position on revising the rules related to weights and dimensions in road transport, aiming to make freight transport more sustainable. The proposal was passed with 26 votes in favor, 11 against, and one abstention. With this measure, MEPs propose to increase the maximum weight by four tonnes and the length of zero-emission trucks to compensate for the space and weight needed to house batteries or fuel cells, and to provide additional loading capacity.
Proponents argue that this update would incentivize the transport industry to switch to zero-emission vehicles, making them more competitive compared to traditional vehicles. MEPs also emphasize that the installation of zero-emission technologies should not compromise the necessary cabin space nor reduce driver comfort.
The Committee also approved the continued circulation of longer and heavier diesel industrial vehicles (so-called mega trucks), albeit with certain conditions: if member states wish to add new roads for these vehicles to operate, they must conduct a preliminary assessment on the impact on road safety, infrastructure, modal cooperation, and the environment. Furthermore, to facilitate the identification of these vehicles, MEPs suggest creating an EU label indicating their length. The European Commission should also establish a web portal with information on the applicable weight and length limits in each EU country and which roads are designated for mega trucks.
The parliamentary committee also calls for stricter enforcement of EU rules, suggesting that member states establish automatic control systems along the main EU roads to check if trucks and buses comply with weight and dimension limits. MEPs are also advocating for the use of digital tools, such as the so-called Intelligent Access Policy, which would ensure that the right vehicle with the right cargo operates on the right road at the right time, to minimize the impact on the environment, infrastructure, human health, and safety.
This preliminary position will be voted on by all MEPs in an upcoming plenary session, which could take place as early as March 2024. Following this, the issue will be followed up by the new European Parliament after the European elections on June 6-9, 2024.
