Brussels, 20/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - As part of the implementation of the Transport White Paper, the road transport sector intends to contribute to the development of innovative, efficient, long-lasting and environmentally friendly freight transport. The Scandinavian states say the key is in the introduction of the European Modular System (EMS) on some roads, as it exists in these countries. The aim is to introduce this system at European level as an alternative to goods transport by road in standard lorries.
The project, which was launched by the Volvo group in 2003, uses lorries with two trailers, which can reach 25.25 metres in length with a 60-tonne capacity, instead of 16 metres (18.75 authorised under European legislation) and 40 tonnes in Europe. Such a solution would see gains in capacity, cleanliness, flexibility and would lead to a reduction in traffic on European motorways. According to calculations by the Volvo Truck group, which set out its project in Brussels on 20 February, two EMS lorries could provide the capacity of three standard vehicles. At the present time, however, EMS lorries exceed European length regulations (directive 96/53/EC allows for vehicles with two trailers the total length of which does not exceed 18.75 metres). There are problems, too, for the road infrastructure, because of the weight of EMS vehicles. Apart from Sweden and Finland - the leaders of the projects - only Denmark, the Netherlands (which has just authorised a trial for 159 lorries) and Germany are set on testing the system. Among the new member states, only Poland has shown any interest. (aby)