Image:ESTA
The European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes (ESTA) is making strides in its efforts to influence authorities in Brussels towards a robust revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive. This development holds the potential to significantly impact the transport industry for years to come.
The current directive, 96/53/EC, delineates the regulations governing heavy-duty vehicles operating on European roads, especially those involved in heavy and abnormal transport operations.
The proposed revision provides a unique opportunity for authorities to address the myriad challenges faced by transport operators, all while enhancing safety and industry efficiency.
While ESTA has extended a conditional welcome to the existing proposals, it asserts that the industry can achieve even greater advancements. As a proactive measure, ESTA is actively proposing a series of amendments to the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament, where the revisions are currently under scrutiny.
Additionally, ESTA is urging its member associations to promptly amplify their voices in both Brussels and their respective national governments.
Director of ESTA, Ton Klijn, expressed, “We’ve been advocating for changes for many years, and it seems that we are finally being heard. We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to introduce at least some of the crucial elements we need into EU law.”
The proposed revisions, disclosed by the European Commission in July, aim to address three core issues: the fragmentation of the market for longer and heavier vehicles, the ineffective and inconsistent enforcement of regulations, and the low adoption rate of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles.
Klijn highlighted that the document “contains many positive elements that can give abnormal road transport operators new opportunities to further improve operational efficiency, to better cooperate with other transport modes, and to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.”
Particularly noteworthy is ESTA’s endorsement of the proposal for the establishment of a one-stop-shop for permits, the compulsory implementation of a standardized application form, and the mandate for EU member states to collaborate on vehicle signaling and transport markings requirements.
However, ESTA points out that some proposals warrant urgent clarification, especially concerning the enforcement of any new regulations. Additionally, certain subjects have been either omitted or postponed, including ESTA’s longstanding request for the utilization of electronic permits and the establishment of Europe-wide “corridors” for abnormal road transport. These measures would not only benefit the industry but also enable national governments to focus their resources on essential infrastructure projects.
