Information and studies on longer heavier vehicles (LHVs)

6.3.2013

Question for written answer E-002608-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Brian Simpson (S&D) , Saïd El Khadraoui (S&D) , Michael Cramer (Verts/ALE) , Georges Bach (PPE) , Michel Dantin (PPE) , Ismail Ertug (S&D) , Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE) , Jörg Leichtfried (S&D) , Eva Lichtenberger (Verts/ALE) , Hubert Pirker (PPE) , Dominique Riquet (PPE) , Sabine Wils (GUE/NGL)

In its 2012 public consultation on the revision of Directive 96/53/EC, the Commission clearly stated that its position on longer and heavier lorries was not a mature position as regards infrastructure, road safety, the environment and modal shift, and that as such the Commission would not touch on the issue of extending/reducing the use of heavier and/or longer vehicles.

Has the Commission undertaken any further studies in the meantime, or does it plan to do so? Does the Commission now hold information that allows it to develop a more in-depth understanding of the impact of LHVs on infrastructure, road safety, the environment and modal shift?

If so, what are the expected impacts on infrastructure, road safety, the environment and modal shift?

In its answer to Written Question E-010127/2012 of 15 January 2013, the Commission clearly states that it is informed of new developments in Member States using longer trucks on a permanent basis and of any decisions taken in the field of trials with vehicles exceeding the maximum dimensions. The Commission also states that it is ‘ready to share such information with the Parliament in due course’. When will the Commission do so?

OJ C 6 E, 10/01/2014