EU nations urged to expedite conclusion of revisions on weight and dimension standards for manufacturers and operators within the European Union

The European road transport sector is facing significant challenges in adhering to the EU's climate goals, with low uptake of zero-emission vehicles across most markets being a key barrier. In a joint letter, several advocacy groups have called upon the governments of Spain and Sweden, as EU Member States, to quickly conclude negotiations on revising the weights and dimensions directive, particularly prioritizing the adaptation of weight and axle load limits to the specific characteristics of zero-emission vehicles.

The joint letter, signed by the Common Road Transport Office (BGL, FNTR and NLA), ACEA, and TLN, serves as a reminder of the ongoing advocacy for a more sustainable and efficient European road transport sector. The groups emphasize the importance of this revision for a more sustainable, efficient, and competitive European road transport sector.

One of the main arguments presented in the joint letter is the critical role of the revised Directive in facilitating the adoption of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. The signatories underscore that insufficient charging and refuelling infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles is a significant barrier in the uptake of zero-emission vehicles. They propose additional measures in the revised Directive to enhance efficiency and support the decarbonisation of road transport beyond the weight and dimension revisions.

Another barrier identified is the higher total cost of ownership for zero-emission trucks and buses. The signatories argue that a meaningful revision of weight and axle weight limits in the revised Weights and Dimensions Directive is necessary to accommodate the specific characteristics of zero-emission vehicles, potentially making them more affordable for the sector.

The joint letter provides a clear and concise argument for the need to prioritize the revised Weights and Dimensions Directive in the context of the sector's transition to zero-emission vehicles. The Common Road Transport Office (BGL, FNTR and NLA), ACEA, and TLN welcome the Danish EU Presidency's intention to reach a General Approach on weights and dimension. The groups reiterate their call for swift negotiations on the revised Directive to address the barriers faced in the sector's transition to zero-emission vehicles.

The signatories also urge Member States to swiftly conclude negotiations on the revised Directive, as the continued delay is contributing to the slow market uptake of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles. For those interested in learning more about the proposed revisions, the joint letter is available for download.

The sector's transition to zero-emission vehicles is slow due to various barriers, including market uptake, infrastructure, and cost. The joint letter from the Common Road Transport Office (BGL, FNTR and NLA), ACEA, and TLN is a significant step towards overcoming these barriers and accelerating the transition to a more sustainable European road transport sector.