Brussels, 16/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - The rail sector feels particularly threatened by a possible “domino effect” that would follow the authorisation of megatrucks to cross between countries in the review of Directive 1996/53 on weights and dimension for lorries published on Monday 15 April. The industry, however, has warmly welcomed the review as a whole, given that developments in heavy goods vehicles' shapes should help ensure greater safety and energy efficiency.
Megatrucks controversy. By granting legal authorisation in the review to allow megatrucks (combination trucks of up to 44 tonnes, or articulated lorries of 60 tonnes, and up to 25 metres in length) to cross borders between countries if both countries agree, the Commission has pushed the controversy over this issue to centre stage. Rail organisations have inevitably spoken out. The Community of European Railways (CER) and the European Rail Industry (UNIFE) argue there is a risk of the use of these vehicles spreading throughout Europe. The sector points out that more systematic use of megatrucks would undermine the viability of rail freight, contrary to the modal shift advocated in the Commission's Report. The Transport and Environment Association also regrets that the Commission has “opened the door to the cross-border use of mega trucks, without appropriate guarantees for the safety of citizens and environmental protection. We need better lorries not bigger ones”, stated the organisation's policy expert, William Todts. Carmakers, on the other hand, support the use of megatrucks. The European organisation representing them (ACEA) believes that there is absolutely no economic or legal sense to restricting the use of this kind of cross-border traffic between countries that authorise these trucks within their respective borders. ACEA has said that the European modular system (three trucks that are replaced by two truck combination) is the more efficient and immediate way of reducing CO2 emissions.
Consensus on green and safe trucks. Overall, however, those most affected have reacted positively to the revision of the trucks' weight and dimensions. Car manufacturers appear relieved to be able to include recent innovations in the design of heavy-duty vehicles. ACEA Secretary General Ivan Hodac explained that “manufacturers need an up-to-date regulatory framework that provides sufficient flexibility to accommodate future transport developments and demands”. ACEA is particularly keen to underline the importance of the aerodynamic improvements that will be authorised for the front and back of heavy-duty vehicles in an effort to reduce fuel consumption. This development was not lost on the Transport and Environment Association either and William Todts concedes that European lorries were stuck in the past, which cost Europe billions of euro. He added that the proposal is a small step towards freight transport adapted to the 21st century. The European Association of aluminium producers also welcomed this development. Its director general, Gerd Götz, said that aluminium is an essential catalyst for providing innovative solutions in the safety and weight reduction field. (MD/transl.fl)