MEPs to vote on rules to make lorries safer and greener
MEPs vote on Tuesday on new rules to allow manufacturers to design safer and greener lorries. More rounded cabs would be safer for pedestrians and cyclists: drivers would have a better field of vision reducing blind spots and a deflective shape would reduce the force of impact in case of accidents.
A more streamlined front would also reduce air resistance, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions. Extra weight allowances for alternative-fuel powertrains would provide an incentive to use greener technologies.
Changes to the weight and dimensions directive (1996) to allow exemptions from current limits where the environmental and safety performance of lorries is improved were agreed by the Italian Council Presidency and Parliament negotiators last December and unanimously approved by Parliament’s transport and tourism committee in February. They will be debated on Tuesday ahead of the final vote the same day.
Procedure: Ordinary legislative procedure, 2nd reading agreement
Procedure Code: 2013/0105(COD)
Debate: Tuesday, 10 March
Vote: Tuesday, 10 March