Now is the time to fight for 44 tonnes
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by Nicky Clarke • Hauliers who want to operate 44-tonne vehicles should begin to lobby their MEPs now if legislation allowing such vehicles is to be introduced, says a top Eurocrat.
Speaking at the 1RTE show last week, Robert Missen from the European Commission said that he has yet to meet a UK MEP who is in favour of 44 tonnes.
"There is a realistic possibility that we won't see 44 tonnes, which is why I emphasise the value of lobbying," says Missen.
"There is genuine misunderstanding on the topic," he adds. "MEPs think that 44 tonnes means bigger trucks—we don't want that. From a political point of view any rise in weight has to be sold as environmentally friendly, such as 44 tonnes on six axles. You must show a benefit beyond an economical one if trucks are to get bigger."
The latest weights and dimensions directive from the European Commission would allow 44 tonnes on six axles. It has had its first reading in the European Parliament, but whether it will progress through the legislative machinery depends on the next EU presidency, which passes to Spain in July.
If the UK does not accept a harmonised weight of .14 tonnes for national transport operations, many hauliers are still hoping that it will be accepted for international journeys.
The earliest that 44.tonners could be introduced in the UK is 1 January 1999 the date the UK's derogation from 40 tonnes runs out.