Political uncertainty in Germany and France is delaying the final round of discussions about reforms to the EU’s Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53) – changes that are crucial to the long-term health of Europe’s heavy and abnormal transport sector.
ESTA and other supporters had hoped that the reforms would receive final approval during the current Polish Presidency which ends in June.
But Brussels’ insiders say that oversight of the changes to the directive is now likely to be the responsibility of Denmark that takes over the Presidency in July.
ESTA Director Ton Klijn explained: “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.
“As a result, we have to wait until the referee blows the whistle again, to use a football metaphor.”
The planned revisions to the EU’s Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53) include the Europe-wide adoption of the standard SERT documentation for abnormal load vehicle registration – a move that ESTA has supported for many years.
SERT, the Special European Registration for Trucks and Trailers, is intended to reduce the paperwork and bureaucracy faced by the industry.
Other measures include:
- a ‘one stop shop’ per country for permits
- standardised permit application forms
- use of electronic permits
- harmonisation of escorting rules and vehicle markings
- a ban on language requirements for drivers
- permitting systems to be available in all EU language
In the meantime, ESTA will be talking to members of the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism (TRAN) Committee and the Commission’s transport directorate DG Move to ensure that the progress made to date is not lost and that the issues are understood.
Klijn added: “Despite the delays, we are optimistic that the reforms have widespread support and will proceed – but of course, we are taking nothing for granted.”