Brussels, 19/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The Greens at the European Parliament are delighted that the transport committee at the EP refused to open the borders to mega trucks, in its vote on Tuesday 18 March on revising the European directive on weights and dimensions for lorries. The spokesman for the group on transport questions, Michael Cramer (Germany), was pleased that a brake had been put on this “misguided” Commission proposal for allowing longer and heavier lorries across the borders. MEPs did, however, call on the Commission to carry out an impact study in 2016 (and not in 2017, as mistakenly announced in EUROPE 11041). Cramer believes that this will allow them to “gain time” in an effort to ensure a more responsible legislative approach to these lorries. He said that the impact study should measure the repercussions on railway freight, “which is clearly safer, more efficient and better for the environment”. The European Transport Safety Council was delighted with the vote by MEPs on the subject, as well as the authorisation for modifying lorries to help improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians in urban areas by reducing blind spots, improving visibility and additional protection for pedestrians. The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (EAMA) did not express a view with regard to mega trucks and does not believe it necessary to modify the design of the lorry cabins to promote safety. On the other hand, they did welcome the flexibility in the rules in question that create more room for alternative engines. (MD)