The IRU welcomes the delayed EP vote on the European Commission proposal revising Directive 96/53 on the weights and dimensions of commercial vehicles, that will see improvements to the safety, environmental performance, the aerodynamics of vehicles, as well as to the driver’s working environment.

After several delays MEPs finally agreed to vote in the Transport and Tourism Committee on the weights and dimensions proposal, which should provide road transport with additional tools to further improve safety and the environmental performance of its operations by opening the door to aerodynamic improvements to the truck cabin and rear of the vehicles without losing load capacity and by supporting 19.5 tonnes maximum authorised weight for two axle coaches.

Michael Nielsen, General Delegate to the EU confirmed, “Time has given MEPs the wisdom to find compromises and understanding on how to achieve progress on this important dossier for our industry. It is a key signal to the Member States on how this package should develop. It is to be regretted however that the TRAN Committee limited fuel-saving aerodynamic devices at the rear of the vehicle to the current 50cm”.

It still needs to be seen to what extent the EP Plenary will validate the outcome of this vote in April. The IRU calls on all MEPs to support the EP TRAN position in order to further improve Europe’s road safety and environment.

Mr. Nielsen concluded, “This rare opportunity is one that should be seized by the decision makers if significant progress on efficiency, the further greening of commercial road transport, improved road safety and the working environment of drivers is to be made. I urge the plenary of the European Parliament to pass this legislation at its next session so that the European road transport industry can get on with the job of delivering an even greener, safer and more resource efficient European transport system.”

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For further information please contact Stuart Colley, Communication and Events Officer at stuart.colley@iru.org, +32 2 743 2584, +32 476 049225, IRU Permanent Delegation to the EU, 32-34 av. de Tervueren, Box 17, 1040 Brussels, Belgium