Focus on the safety aspects of the proposal
The Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) of the European Parliament discussed the draft report on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive this month.The report prepared by MEP Jörg Leichtfried (S&D – Austria) focused on the safety aspects of the proposal.
The draft report intends to ban the cross-border circulation of so-called megatrucks between two consenting Member States, as originally proposed by the European Commission. Moreover, it would also limit the facilitation of the use of 45 foot containers benefiting short sea shipping.
The safety improvements in the draft report were widely supported. However, the discussion among MEPs showed a clear division between supporters and adversaries of cross-border circulation.
The Rapporteur would seek a widely supported compromise despite the divisions in the TRAN Committee.
The deadline for amendments is 5 December whereas the vote in the TRAN Committee is expected in February 2014.
Source: ESPO
