Brussels, 06/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - An agreement at the trilogue meeting on the revision of weights and dimensions for lorries could be in place by the end of the year, according to plans put forward by the Italian presidency. The extremely difficult question of cross-border traffic of mega trucks is not expected to have a negative impact on the inter-institutional negotiations.
In their respective negotiating mandates, the European Parliament and the Council did not put forward any plans to revise the rules for authorising the cross-border traffic of these vehicles, which will help facilitate negotiations. Nonetheless, the negotiations may get bogged down on the revision clause requested by the European Parliament calling on the Commission to provide an impact study and report on the question by 2016.
Another stumbling block also includes the question of authorising changes to lorry cabin designs, in an effort to improve their aerodynamic performance and road safety. The Council does not want any changes to be introduced in the seven years following adoption of the revised directive. Parliament, however, considers that safety and energy efficiency are questions that cannot wait any longer.
Negotiators could possibly be on the point of obtaining a temporary agreement, however (there will be no agreement on anything as long as there is no agreement on everything), on exceptions to the standards for weights and dimensions, in an effort to develop consensus on the issue of heavy duty vehicles using alternative fuels and which require different engines or cooling systems. (MD)