New proposals
Page 22
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
EC proposals to make it easier for longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) to operate across Europe are expected by the end of the year. The vehicles can exceed 18.75m and can operate at 60 tonnes.
EC president Jose Manuel Barroso recently intervened after MEPs complained that transport commissioner Kallas had lifted the ban on cross-border use of LHVs without consultation. “Until any revision of the directive is implemented, the current directive remains in force,” says Barroso.
LHV trials have taken place in member states including Belgium and Germany. Denmark, Finland and Sweden have used them successfully.
“The new proposals will liberalise cross-border traffic,” says a spokeswoman for the parliament’s Transport Committee. “But it’s likely that LHV usage across borders will be limited to short journeys, and will not be a regular service.” UKIP MEP John Bufton says there may be problems with UK infrastructure. “Does the UK have the roads and bridges to make it feasible? There’s also the cost factor of the equipment,” he says.