In a letter to EU Member States, IRU has urged swift agreement on the Council’s general approach to the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive.
The European Commission’s proposal to revise EU rules on heavy-duty vehicle weights and dimensions is a pragmatic tool to achieve immediate decarbonisation results. However, delays in Council discussions are holding back progress on a file central to Europe’s climate, competitiveness and connectivity goals.
IRU EU Advocacy Director Raluca Marian said, “This revision is not just about road transport. It is about making all mobility and logistics chains more efficient and greener across the EU. Member State concerns on infrastructure can be addressed with a phased approach.”
“Fears of a reverse modal shift miss the point: logistics only works when modes complement each other, not when they are put in opposition,” she added.
Two key priorities
Zero-emission buses, coaches and trucks need additional length and weight allowances to compensate for the very heavy battery and hydrogen systems. Otherwise, their commercial operation will remain at a disadvantage compared to conventional vehicles, slowing down the green transition.
Higher-capacity vehicles should be enabled for cross-border services between consenting Member States. Allowing longer European Modular System (EMS) vehicles and 44-tonne standard vehicle combinations for cross-border operations would cut CO₂ emissions by a third while reducing congestion and costs.
Revised weight and dimension rules would also strengthen economic competitiveness and improve military mobility, raising the resilience of European transport.
“We welcome the Danish EU Presidency’s stated ambition to reach an agreement by the end of the year. It is time for the Council to move,” said Raluca Marian. “Operators, passengers, shippers and citizens need this framework to deliver greener, more efficient and affordable transport.”
The European Parliament has already adopted its position. The Council’s general approach is now the missing piece to start trilogue negotiations and secure a deal.