Revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive 96/53/EC

Key points

The EESC:

• endorses the proposal to allow a maximum additional weight of 4 tonnes for zero-emission (ZE) lorries only, but calls for a rigorous monitoring policy post-adoption, including immediate policy change should the desired impact not be achieved. However, the EESC is concerned that implementing this Directive may lead to a reverse modal shift. Only by enabling fair framework for all modes of transport, sufficient transport capacity can be guaranteed. The long-term goal of greening the commercial road transport can however be further incentivised;

• underlines that significant investment and extensive infrastructure modifications will be necessary to support the increased volume of traffic while maintaining current safety standards and installing the essential charging infrastructure for ZE vehicles;
• does not deem it appropriate to ease cross-border operations for heavier and longer fossil-fuel EMSs, as it undermines the initiative's climate goals. The EESC emphasises the need to implement distinct measures to ensure that all cross-border EMSs eventually reach ZE and that EMSs avoid routes posing risks to cyclists and pedestrians when possible;
• welcomes the Commission's efforts for promoting administrative and technological solutions to debureaucratize the process of crossing state borders within the European Union.