European 4m trailer height row nears its conclusion
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THE EUROPEAN Commission (EC) is expected to put to rest the 4m trailer height controversy this month, opting to extend annual exemption limits for trailer type approval.
This will be achieved by increasing the Small Series Type Approval exemption from the Masses and Dimensions Directive to allow member states to each build up to 2,000 4m-high-plus trailers and rigids a year. The directive currently allows a maximum 250 vehicles a year.
The decision is expected to be taken at the next meeting of the EC’s Technical Committee on Motor Vehicles (TCMV) this spring.
A second option proposed by the EC will be considered in a 2013 revision of legislation. This will provide for two new classes of vehicle, Euroclass, and non Euroclass. Those exceeding 4m would be non-Euroclass and could operate only in member states that allowed them.
There would be no limit on production of such vehicles.