MEPs argue over LHVs on Euro roads
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A ROW HAS broken out in Brussels with MEPs accusing transport commissioner Siim Kallas of bypassing parliament in promoting the use of longer, heavier vehicles (LHVs) on European roads.
Brian Simpson MEP, chairman of the parliament’s transport committee, has asked Martin Schulz, the parliament’s president, to take legal advice on whether the commissioner has exceeded his authority. He hopes for a decision before the summer recess.
Earlier this year, Kallas was forced to apologise to the transport committee for not informing them before news spread that the European Commission was lifting the ban on cross-border use of LHVs (CM 29 March). The vehicles exceed 18.75m and can operate at 60 tonnes.
LHVs had been used successfully in Sweden and Finland, while Denmark has trialled the Eco-Combis since 2008.
“The commissioner chose to reinterpret the law rather than coming up with a new legislative proposal, although he knows that ecotrucks or megatrucks are a controversial issue,” says Simpson.
“No matter whether LHVs are a good or bad idea, the problem is the process. The commission is completely bypassing the European Parliament.”