• EN - English
  • IT - italiano
Parliamentary question - E-004453/2017Parliamentary question
E-004453/2017

Concessions regarding the maximum weight of vehicle combinations

Question for written answer E-004453-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
David-Maria Sassoli (S&D)

Directive (EU) 2015/719 on the weight and dimensions of road vehicles provides for a higher maximum weight of up to one tonne for goods transport vehicle combinations with powertrains fuelled by alternative energy sources. This is intended to compensate for the greater tare weight without ‘penalising the road transport sector in economic terms’ (Recital 6).

For this reason, in Annex 1, the directive amended points 2.3.1, 2.3.2 and 2.4 relating to insulated vehicles. However, it did not replace point 2.2 relating to vehicle combinations. That means that the maximum weight for international transportation remains unchanged at 40 tonnes. The recent Swiss regulation adapting its legislation to that of the European Union serves as a confirmation.

Is the Commission aware of this illogical and contradictory solution that penalises efforts to reduce environmental impact, and if so, how does it intend to remedy it?