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In a move aimed at advancing crucial regulatory updates, the European association for abnormal transport, ESTA, has issued an urgent appeal to its members and the wider heavy transport sector. The call is simple: lobby your national Members of European Parliament (MEPs) this weekend to ensure support for key reforms within the European Union’s transport framework.
On Monday, October 7, the newly appointed European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee will convene to discuss the future of the proposed revisions to the Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53). These revisions, long championed by ESTA, are seen as essential to modernizing and streamlining the regulatory environment for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) operating across Europe.
The Weights and Dimensions Directive plays a central role in defining the maximum allowed weights and sizes of HDVs in both national and international transport. It ensures a level playing field across EU member states, preventing any country from imposing restrictive measures that would limit international transport operations for vehicles complying with the agreed dimensions.
However, following delays caused by the European elections earlier this year, the newly formed TRAN Committee must now decide whether to continue with the revisions previously negotiated or start the process again from scratch.
Ton Klijn, ESTA’s Director, made a strong appeal to the industry: “As an ESTA member, you are invited to raise this issue urgently in contacts with MEPs from your country who are a member or substitute member of EP TRAN.”
ESTA is particularly keen to see the revised proposals go forward, as they include several reforms the organization has been advocating for years. Among these are the introduction of a ‘one stop shop’ for permit applications, the use of electronic permits, and the standardization of escorting rules and vehicle markings across all EU member states. Additionally, the revised directive calls for a ban on language requirements for drivers and mandates that permit systems be accessible in all EU languages.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the reform is the Europe-wide adoption of the SERT (Special European Registration for Trucks and Trailers), a standardized documentation system for abnormal load vehicle registration. This is seen as a major step forward in simplifying and harmonizing transport procedures across the continent.
If fully adopted, the new directive would also establish a centralized web portal managed by the European Commission, providing access to all relevant information regarding national regulations on vehicle dimensions, weight restrictions, and approved routes for transporting indivisible loads.
Klijn’s message to the industry is clear: this is a critical moment for the sector, and the support of national MEPs will be essential in ensuring the successful implementation of these reforms. He urged members to take immediate action, stating: “We urge you to call for their support to continue to work with the weights and dimensions report adopted by the previous European Parliament.”
This weekend’s lobbying efforts could prove pivotal in determining whether the transport reforms will finally move forward or face further delays.
