Brussels, 18/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The question of mega-trucks will put on the back burner until 2017. On Tuesday 18 March, the European Parliament's transport committee (TRAN) rejected the Commission proposal to open up the borders to longer and heavier lorries. These kinds of lorries are only currently allowed in some northern parts of Europe. MEPs, however, maintained the Commission's line improving the design of heavy goods vehicles to make them safer and more energy-efficient.
No change to mega-trucks. The TRAN committee reached a position on revising the directive on the weights and dimensions of lorries (96/53/EC) on the basis of the report by Jörg Leichtfried (S&D, Austria), which was adopted by a large majority (35 votes for, 4 against, with 2 abstentions). After the vote, Leichtfried explained that the Commission “wanted longer and heavier lorries to be able to be used throughout Europe, with the pretext of holding a general reflection on safer and more aerodynamic lorries”. The fact that MEPs did not approve mega trucks crossing borders between two countries that agree to this kind of traffic is a “blistering defeat for Mr Kallas”, he added. He also said that “it is time that the EU got to know another Commissioner because this one has been miscast”. Leichtfried very much regretted that the Commission had proposed a “botched” and “difficult” text and said that the TRAN committee had managed to “restore some order to this mess” and had introduced a “radical change” in the text. The rapporteur is confident that the plenary will respect the compromise reached between the EPP, S&D, ALDE and Greens/EFA Groups. His group and the EPP are not divided on the question, he emphasised.
Impact study. Although MEPs are so far maintaining the status quo on using mega trucks in Europe, they are, nonetheless, calling on the European Commission to carry out an impact study by 2016. This is expected to focus on the effects of the cross-border traffic of these vehicles on competition, the environment, safety, the cost of infrastructure modernisation and modal distribution. The rapporteur said that “we are calling on the Commission to review the situation, send a report to Parliament on what the best possible results would be and say what it intends to do next”. It was indeed the European Parliament, however, that initially encouraged the European Commission to look at the question of mega-trucks in the context of the weights and dimensions of lorries review.
Safety and aerodynamics. The text adopted in first reading by the TRAN committee confirms a new design for lorry cabins applicable over the seven years following entry into force of the revised directive. This will enhance aerodynamic design and bring greater safety, thanks to the elongated shape of the front of the lorry, which can absorb shocks more effectively and better protect pedestrians in the event of a collision. Parliament has not yet decided what additional length will be allowed for manufacturers but has established a framework in which the Commission will to have to present specific delegated acts. Several mechanisms for reducing blind spots will also be authorised, such as additional mirrors or cameras.
The 50 cm measurement is also maintained for equipment at the rear of the lorry (rear flap), which also creates a more aerodynamic shape. Heavy goods vehicles transporting 45-foot containers will also benefit from the additional 15 cm if they are used in combination with trains or boats, in an effort to facilitate loading. MEPs are also calling for an improved definition of this concept in Directive 92/106/EEC on combined transport, which is under revision at the Commission.
In terms of weight, lorries that are driven with clean fuels will be allowed another one tonne, in an effort to facilitate installation of appropriate engines. Finally, weight sensors will have to be installed on all new lorries five years after the directive enters into application.
Next steps. The European Parliament will vote on the report in the April plenary and the Council is expected to establish its position on the weights and dimensions of lorries in June. (MD)