Reforms to EU abnormal load transport regulations are being slowed by political uncertainty in Germany and France, according to the European association for abnormal road transport and mobile cranes (ESTA).
Changes to the EU’s Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53) are being delayed by political upheaval in France and Germany. ESTA and other supporters had hoped that the changes would receive final approval during the current Polish presidency which ends in June 2025. However, ESTA reports that changes to the directive are now likely to be the responsibility of Denmark, which takes over the presidency in July.
“The simple truth is that both France and Germany need to be on board with the reforms and fully involved – but the political uncertainties in France and the elections in Germany mean that both countries’ attention is elsewhere for the moment,” said ESTA director, Ton Klijn. “As a result, we have to wait until the referee blows the whistle again, to use a football metaphor.”
Planned amendments to the EU’s Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53) include the Europe-wide adoption of the standard Special European Registration for Trucks and Trailers (SERT) documentation for abnormal load vehicle registration, which intends to reduce both paperwork and bureaucracy.
Other changes include a ‘one stop shop’ per country for permits; standardised permit application forms; use of electronic permits; coordination of escorting rules and vehicle markings; a ban on language requirements for drivers; and permitting systems to be available in all EU-member languages.
“Despite the delays, we are optimistic that the reforms have widespread support and will proceed – but of course, we are taking nothing for granted,” Klijn added.
Last month, HLPFI reported that ESTA’s plan to develop a European MHST operators’ licence took a step forwards.
