Austria’s policy to restrict lorry traffic through Tyrol is increasingly hampering transport services in the region and affecting supply chains across the EU. Following on from block clearances and sectoral bans, the night-time truck ban is yet another restriction on the free movement of goods. Concentrating all transport during the day means increased and usually slower traffic. A question explaining this issue was addressed to the European Commission by Member of the European Parliament Kosma Złotowski (ECR).
Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission comments that the traffic restrictions described in the question have been justified by the government of Tyrol with the necessity to avoid congestion and excessive truck traffic on the A12 freeway. As long as the Brenner Base Tunnel is not completed, which is expected to solve at least a large part of the described challenges, alternative solutions are needed for the problems caused by the increasing heavy truck traffic on the Brenner corridor. The Commission is determined to continue working with the three Member States Austria, Germany and Italy mainly affected to agree on a common package of measures and has already taken several steps in this regard.
For more information, please see the question asked by Member of the European Parliament Kosma Złotowski and the answer provided by Ms Vălean on behalf of the European Commission here.