Today, transport ministers adopted a Council position that amends the directive laying down maximum authorised dimensions and weights for certain road vehicles. The amendment of the current directive on weights and dimensions aims at ensuring the free and efficient movement of goods and fair competition across the EU, providing sufficient incentives to encourage investment in zero-emission technologies and strengthening enforcement of both new and existing rules for better consistency and efficiency.

The proposed amendment includes incentives for the road transport sector to invest in zero-emission technologies, particularly allowing compensation for the added weight because of these technologies.

The changes would also allow the use of European Modular Systems (EMS) between the different member states that allow the use of such systems.

Council position

In the Council's position, changes have been made to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) while addressing concerns regarding the extra weight these vehicles might impose on road infrastructure:

• Weight: the Council agrees that ZEV's should be able to benefit from a weight bonus beyond the weight of the technology. At the same time, it is also important to avoid damaging the infrastructure. That is why the Council differentiates the weight allowance between 5-axle and 6 axle ZEV's.
• Length: An extra 0.9m in length will be permitted for ZEVs, so to allow more space to install zero-emission technology

The Council also wants to maintain the possibilities to deviate from weights and dimensions set in the directive:

• for vehicles covered by special permits intended to carry indivisible loads
• for vehicles that carry out operations that don't significantly affect international competition in the transport sector
• for European Modular Systems

The Council would also allow extra length for shuttle services, as to make this service more efficient.

Finally, the Council's position allows zero-emission motor vehicles or vehicle combinations involved in intermodal transport operations to cross borders even if they exceed the maximum weights defined in the directive and if the weight does not exceed what is allowed on either side of the border.

Next steps

Following today's approval by the Council, the presidency can start negotiations with the European Parliament to reach a final agreement.

Background

The directive on weights and dimensions sets the rules for the maximum allowable weight and dimensions of vehicles used in road transport in the EU. It ensures that vehicles are safe, do not damage infrastructure and have a smaller impact on the environment by not polluting more than they should due to extensive weight.

The proposed amendment of the directive, put forward by the Commission in July 2023, aims at modernising the current rules, reflecting technological advancements, including the uptake of cleaner zero-emission vehicles. The overall goal of the directive is to create a more efficient, sustainable and competitive transport system in the EU, as part of the so-called smart mobility strategy.

• Road transport (background information)
• Safer transport (background information)