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MEPs want to limit LHVs
Page 19
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A European Parliament vote on trials of larger freight vehicles has revealed strong feelings on the subject. Chris Tindall reports.
MEPS WANT TO see strict rules for countries planning to trial the use of 60-tonne trucks.
The strength of feeling on the issue of the so-called "megaliners" was revealed in a vote at the European Parliament ahead of a report on freight logistics, with 577 members in favour of introducing strict rules, 52 voting against any restrictions and 51 abstaining.
The Parliament is now suggesting that the use of these longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) should only he allowed by the European Commission (EC) on certain routes. An evaluation of all requests would have to respect factors such as the existing infrastructure and safety aspects.
In what was described as a "lively debate", Dutch MEP Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert said it was unhelpful to turn down innovative transport concepts, hut French MEP Gilles Savary warned that 60-tonne trucks would he a "disaster for the railways".
The result is not legally binding but is an indication for Transport Commissioner Jacques Barrot about the general feeling on the issue. An action plan on freight logistics in Europe, including the use of LHVs, is due to he published shortly by the EC and Barrot is likely to take this vote into consideration. The EC is also launching a study into the impact of allowing LHVs on European roads and whether the weight and length limits should he adjusted.
A spokesman for the European Parliament says: -Parliament is setting out its position on this area of policy ahead of the EC action plan. There's no obligation on the EC to act on it."
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