Impending storm over megatrucks
45 views · Published 3 July 2012 · 1:53 · Indexed 22 October 2026
Channel: European Parliament · 2012 · News & Politics
They are as long and as heavy as a medium-haul passenger aircraft and they are already transporting up to 60 tons each in some European countries: megatrucks, also known as gigaliners. The Commission decided the countries that allow their use can now also allow them to pass the borders between them. The Transport Committee is not happy about the Commissioner's change of mind and is considering a legal challenge. If he wants to change the rules he needs to use the normal legislative procedure and have a democratic debate in Parliament about the use of these megatrucks. But some MEPs see the EC's changed position as a welcome cut of red tape. There was no change of the law, just a new interpretation compared to a few years ago. Whereas before he said it wasn't possible, the Commissioner has learned something, and now he says it is possible. I can fully support this. Megaliners are allowed in Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands, with Belgium, Denmark and Germany running or about to start trial phases. To their supporters they are a safer and more efficient mode of road transport. There have been no accidents with these gigantic vehicles as they are equipped with driver assistance systems. This is also a chance to make transport safer as well as greener. To their detractors they are a further move away from more sustainable transport. If you were to allow this kind of trucks to travel throughout all of Europe, you would have some road safety issues to solve and also some infrastructure investments to do. That money is better spent creating alternatives such as railways and inland waterways. Whatever Parliament decides on how to react to the Commission's changed attitude, it looks certain to intensify the debate about megatrucks on Europe's roads. EuroparlTV video ID: 34df06a9-19af-44b3-9593-a0820120d3ba
