Brussels, 13/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - Following the postponed vote at the transport committee at the EP (TRAN) from 10 of February to the 18 March, road hauliers are severely losing patience with the lack of an agreement on the lorry weights and dimensions review.
On Wednesday 12 February, the general delegate from the International Road Transport Union (IRU), Michael Nielsen, was extremely angry with the MEPs responsible for this postponement and who were unwilling or unable to accept “the necessary consensus to provide a transport system that is safer and more environmentally friendly”. He therefore urged them to reach a “viable compromise” and to vote on this report as soon as possible in the committee, so that the European Parliament plenary is able to adopt the revised directive before the European elections. He fears a golden opportunity will be missed “to further improve environmental and safety performances in road transport unless a compromise is urgently found”. He is specifically calling for longer and heavier lorries, covered by a European modular system, to continue to be used by member states wishing to use such a system. The IRU is also recommending an increase in the weight by one tonne, so that engines adapted to alternative fuels can be used by lorries and coaches. His organisation also supports aerodynamic modifications to lorry cabins, with the aim of improving lorry drivers' visibility and comfort. (MD/transl.fl)