MEPs back safer, greener truck rules

The European Parliament (EP) backed new rules on Tuesday to make goods trucks greener and safer.

New rules were agreed informally between the EP and European Commission (EC) last December in the form of changes to the Weights and Dimensions Directive (1996). These would allow manufacturers to use new designs for trucks that may exceed current weight and length limits if they can be shown to improve overall environmental and safety performance.

Among the proposed changes are to allow for more rounded cabs that would increase the driver's field of vision making it easier to see other road users, such as cyclists. At the same time the design should reduce drag and so increase fuel efficiency.

An additional weight allowance of up to 1 tonne would be permitted for alternative fuel engines and related components, such as transmission and drive shafts, to encourage take-up of greener technologies.

Aerodynamic flaps added at the rear of the lorry would help cut fuel consumption and emissions.

There will also be stricter enforcement of weight limits and better information for the driver. EU member states should take specific measures to identify vehicles that are likely to have exceeded the relevant weight limits, while data in on-board weight sensors should also be made available to the driver.

Austrian MEP Jorg Leichtfried, rapporteur for the EP Transport and Tourism Committee, said the changes to the directive would allow for safer trucks and encourage greater environmental responsibility in truck design.

He said giving drivers better data on the weight of the truck was a major step forward in safety.

EU transport commissioner Violeta Bulc told parliament the changes would encourage innovation in truck technology that would boost the EU's industrial competitiveness enabling European truck makers to sell "the truck of the future" in global markets.

Other improvements are aimed at more efficient freight transport. These include an additional length allowance of up to 15cm for the intermodal transport of 45-foot standard containers. This would make it easier to move containers using several modes of transport, for example, road, rail and barge.

Member states would have to put relevant national rules in place within two years of the coming into force of the revised directive. The rules for cab design enter into force three years after relevant safety rules for putting newly designed trucks on the market have been adopted.

The changes must still be formally approved by the EU Council. Endit