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BackHeavy goods vehicles weighing up to 60 tons and being more than 25 metres long can also be used across borders provided the Member States, in which the mega trucks are to be used, agree. This was recently announced by EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas in a letter to the Chair of the Transport Committee in the European Parliament, Brian Simpson.
In doing so, the Vice President of the European Commission contradicts himself: back in 2010, Siim Kallas had still confirmed in writing that in accordance with existing law, the cross-border use of mega trucks would not be allowed. Two years later, and as a result of the intervention of the freight lobby, Kallas is now making a U-turn, claiming, it would be possible after all.
In March 2012 already, the EU Transport Commissioner announced in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament that he would interpret the relevant Directive in such a way that mega trucks can be used across borders. Then Kallas was clearly rebuffed by MEPs (AK EUROPA reported: Mega trucks: embarrassing rebuff for EU Transport Commissioner Kallas in the European Parliament) and promised to analyse the Directive again. Now, three months later he affirms his opinion and is willing to allow cross-border journeys by mega trucks.
In a hastily scheduled press conference, MEP Simpson now announced measures against the course of action taken by Kallas. The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament shall now clarify in a first phase, which legal basis applies in this matter. This will be followed by further steps.
AK EUROPA will report on the results of the discussion in the European Parliament.
In March 2012 already, the EU Transport Commissioner announced in the Transport Committee of the European Parliament that he would interpret the relevant Directive in such a way that mega trucks can be used across borders. Then Kallas was clearly rebuffed by MEPs (AK EUROPA reported: Mega trucks: embarrassing rebuff for EU Transport Commissioner Kallas in the European Parliament) and promised to analyse the Directive again. Now, three months later he affirms his opinion and is willing to allow cross-border journeys by mega trucks.
In a hastily scheduled press conference, MEP Simpson now announced measures against the course of action taken by Kallas. The Committee on Legal Affairs of the European Parliament shall now clarify in a first phase, which legal basis applies in this matter. This will be followed by further steps.
AK EUROPA will report on the results of the discussion in the European Parliament.