The European Parliament against LHVs

On February 24th 2015, the Transport Commission of the European Parliament unanimously rejected  the Commission's proposal to authorize LHVs circulation. These super lorries, that can measure up to 25 metres and weight 60 tonnes, were being tested in some countries since 2012.

Ensure road safety and maintaining the infrastructures

A LHV is made of a tractor unit, a semi-trailer and a trailer. Its dimensions exceed the authorized limits for trucks : a length of 18.75 metres and a maximum weight of 40 tonnes. This weight and length can have consequences on road infrastructures  as well as on circulation conditions. Indeed, these gigaliners causes premature wear meaning an extra cost for taxpayers, as well as an increased risk of accidents because of their nonstandard sizes.

Regarding the truck's weight and dimensions, the European Parliament wants to promote aerodynamic vehicles and alternative energy. This, in order to ensure the safety of users but at the same protect the environment. The LHV ban is heading in this direction.

Stimulate the railway and fluvial transport to fight against climate change 

Mega trucks, also called eco-ecombi, are more competitve since they can transport a more important load. However, their opponents worry that this increase in competitiveness leads to even more trucks, which wouldn't limit  pollution. The European Parliament wants to boost ecological means of transport such as railway transport (between Lyon and Turin) or the fluvial transport, to the detriment of the road freight transport.

Accordign to socialist MEP Christine Revault d’Allonnes-Bonnefoy, member of the transport commission, it is a positive signal sent by the Europea Parliament in terms of environmental protection. However, mega-trucks are still authorized in certain countries via dispensation for traffic in their own territory but also for cross-border transport if both countries authorise gigaliners. This is an incomplete victory for anti mega truck partisans.

Are you for or against mega trucks ?