acf domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/ecg/ecgassociationdev/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121CLECAT — 2025-06-06
News from Brussels
During this week's Transport Council meeting, Ministers acknowledged a progress report reflecting the latest state of negotiations regarding the revision of the Weights & Dimensions Directive. While progress has been made by the Polish Presidency, consensus on specific provisions of the proposal remains unlikely.
One of the primary challenges lies in establishing a framework that allows for the circulation of heavier, zero-emission vehicles while ensuring the protection of road infrastructure. The concept of a "positive network" has been introduced, which would allow Member States to restrict the heaviest vehicles to specific roads, gradually expanding this network to cover the entire TEN-T road network by 2045. However, developing clear and enforceable rules for this network has proven difficult, as it requires balancing the need for infrastructure protection with the operational efficiency of road transport.
Another significant point of contention is the circulation of 44-tonne vehicles in intermodal and international transport operations when allowed in national circulation. The Polish presidency worked on a safeguard clause that would allow Member States to halt the circulation of these vehicles based on evidence of their negative impact. However, the specifics of this safeguard clause have yet to be fully developed and agreed upon. This measure is also contested by some Member States, arguing that it would jeopardise the efforts to reduce the inefficiencies of road freight transport.
CLECAT calls on the upcoming Danish Presidency and other Member States to swiftly reach an agreement on the revision of the Directive, by allowing cross-border movements of longer and heavier vehicles (including EMS) between countries allowing them at national level and provide incentives for the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.