Leading transport associations across Europe are calling on EU Member States to urgently resolve the current impasse on the revision of the Weights and Dimensions Directive, arguing that modernised rules are critical for enabling a climate-neutral road transport sector.
In a joint open letter addressed to EU Member State ambassadors, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), the Common Road Transport Office (BGL, FNTR, and NLA), and TLN stress that outdated vehicle weight and dimension limits are slowing down the deployment of zero-emission lorries. “We cannot decarbonise road transport with outdated vehicle limits. The legislation needs to catch up,” said Torsten Laksafoss Holbek, CEO of NLA.
The associations argue that the extra weight of electric lorries, largely due to battery systems, puts them at a disadvantage under current EU regulations. Without updated rules that allow for higher weight and axle limits, electric vehicles risk losing efficiency and payload capacity compared to their diesel counterparts—undermining the EU’s climate targets.
The industry is also urging faster and broader adoption of modular vehicle combinations (also known as EMS or “eco-combis”) across the EU. These longer and heavier lorry combinations offer significant efficiency gains and emissions reductions, particularly in cross-border operations. The associations emphasise that bilateral agreements between consenting Member States should still permit cross-border transport with higher weights and lengths outside the EMS framework.
The Danish EU Presidency has made it a priority to reach a Council position on the directive, a move welcomed by stakeholders. With the Nordic countries particularly supportive of sustainable transport innovation, the associations see this as a crucial opportunity to move the file forward.
European Shippers’ Council (ESC) underscores the need for legislative clarity.
For ESC, it is important that new legislation meets today’s challenges, including the energy transition, labour shortages, and the ability to use eco-combis in cross-border operations,” the ESC stated. “Eco-combis can significantly reduce the number of journeys and fuel use—cutting emissions without the need for major investments. Decision-making is crucial to give shippers and carriers the clarity they need for the future.