However, the text adopted today falls short of what is needed to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission trucks, buses and coaches. Europe has set the world’s most ambitious CO2-reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles. To meet them, zero-emission solutions must become the fully competitive go-to choice for transport operators in every segment and across all EU countries.
To ensure that revised Weights and Dimensions rules really support this shift, several targeted improvements remain essential in the upcoming trilogue negotiations with the European Parliament. In particular, adequate weight allowances for the most common vehicle configurations, including 4×2 tractor-semitrailers and even a modest increase in axle weight limits are needed to enable payload and operational parity with conventional vehicles. At the same time, unnecessary complexity and cost, for example in relation to the On-Board Mass Monitoring (OBMM) and Smart Tachograph requirements, are counterproductive and must be avoided.
A swift transposition timeline of not more than 18 months will also be key so that operators can benefit from the updated rules without delay.
Europe’s commercial vehicle industry remains fully committed to delivering climate-neutral road transport. We stand ready to work constructively with policymakers to ensure this Directive effectively supports Europe’s decarbonisation goals rather than slowing progress on the road to 2030.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) warns that, despite political efforts, today’s adoption of the Council’s general approach on Weights and Dimensions Directive falls short of what is needed to accelerate decarbonisation of the transport sector.