Strasbourg, 15/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - MEPs are creating a new design for lorries so that they are safer and more energy-efficient. It is also particularly important to point out that they confirmed that the mega trucks mainly used on Scandinavian roads will not be able to cross borders, except between countries that have an agreement.
Monster trucks. The revision of the weights and dimensions of lorries was ratified on Tuesday 15 April by the European Parliament, which adopted the report by Jorg Leichtfried (S&D, Austria) by 606 votes to 54, with 12 abstentions at first reading. The most controversial aspect of the subject involved the question of longer and heavier lorries, which again became the main bone of contention. The Conservatives' amendment to authorise cross-border traffic of such vehicles was rejected by the plenary. Nevertheless, this issue has only been postponed because MEPs are recommending that the Commission carries out an impact study into the use of these mega-trucks in international traffic, particularly their impact on safety and the environment and that it informs Parliament on this issue by 2016. Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas confirmed on the day preceding the vote that the current rules would indeed remain the same and that these lorries would be able to be driven in and between member states that authorise them, under the subsidiarity principle.
Green and safe. The main novelties in the directive relate to the design of the lorry cabin, which will be able to be extended in an effort to allow shock absorbing protection when collisions occur with pedestrians or cyclists. This new form will also be more aerodynamic (-7 to -10% of consumption) and will be more spacious and driver-friendly. Lorries will be allowed to be heavier if they use alternative engines, using, for example, hydrogen or electricity.
Commission reservations. Kallas welcomed this new design agreed to by the European Parliament but expressed reservations about the subject of limiting the extension of rear aerodynamic devices to 500mm and the rejection of the broad definition of “intermodal transport” proposed by the Commission. The Parliament is keen for this to be included in the directive.
Council talks. Negotiations with the Council will begin on the subject. They are expected to focus on the date of entry into force of these new provisions (2018-2020) and whether they should be mandatory or not. The Council is expected to decide on its position during the meeting next June. (MD)