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CLECAT has published its position paper on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive. CLECAT welcomes the Commission initiative to revise Directive 96/53/EC, setting standards for the maximum authorised weights and dimensions of heavy-duty vehicles used in national and international transport. In line with the EU climate ambitions and to alleviate the structural shortage of drivers affecting road transport supply chains, the revision of the Directive should contribute to a more efficient and low-emission transport system and harmonised rules for cross-border operations.

The current discrepancies between the maximum authorised weights in some Member States’ and maximum authorised weights for cross-border transport hinders the Single Market and leads to inefficiencies and higher emissions. This makes the Directive no longer aligned with its priority to decarbonise transport.  CLECAT therefore calls for inter-alia:

• increasing the current 40-tonne weight limitation for border crossings to 44 tonnes and the maximum weight of lorries taking part in intermodal/combined transport operations to 46 tonnes.
• maintaining the possibility to authorise cross-border transport operations with heavier/longer vehicles between the bordering Member States that allow their circulation in national traffic
• authorising the use of European Modular system (EMS) vehicles in the EU as a general rule, at least along the TEN-T core and comprehensive network.
• extending the scope of the Directive to exceptional transport as this type of transport would benefit from harmonisation of legislation and rules.

The European Commission is expected to adopt a proposal revising the Directive in April 2023.