There is an urgent need to achieve a true Single Market. To illustrate this issue, Ursula von der Leyen, during her intervention in Alden Biesen, referred to the limitation imposed by the ‘Weights and Dimensions’ Directive, which restricts cross-border transport between Member States to 40 tonnes, even though in many countries the maximum truck weight allowed on their own territory is 44 tonnes.
This problem prevents the realisation of a true Single Market while also having a negative environmental impact. This situation must be resolved now, as the ‘Weights and Dimensions’ Directive is currently being discussed in trilogue. Failing to address this point—especially after it was highlighted by the President of the European Commission—would send a very negative signal and run counter to the demands expressed at both the European Industry Summit and the informal Alden Biesen Summit.
For more information, please see the Joint Position Paper.