WRITTEN QUESTION E-2063/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (16 June 1997)

Subject: Restrictions on size and weight of vehicles

Like many other towns and villages, the medieval town and Cinque Port of Sandwich in Kent, is suffering from a proliferation much larger and heavier lorries, causing immense physical and environmental damage to both the fabric of the town and the quality of life for residents.

The Town Council is advocating a reduction in the size and weight of vehicles whilst recognizing the need to maintain the vitality and viability of towns.

It therefore suggests encouragement should be given to the establishment of distribution centres at strategic points for goods to be transferred to smaller vehicles for deliveries and collections in towns and villages.

Could the Commission comment on the suggestion, outline experience elsewhere and set out what measures are being taken to mitigate the environmental impact of heavy goods vehicles whilst maintaining commercial viability?

Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (29 July 1997)

Council Directive 96/53/EEC lays down general rules on the maximum weights of road vehicles, that will ensure free circulation for international journeys throughout the Community. This Directive also lays down maximum dimensions for all vehicles in the Community ((OJ L 235, 17.9.1996. )). However, the issue of local restrictions on the maximum weight or dimensions of vehicles for reasons of traffic safety or environmental protection is an issue of national or local competence, subject to the principle of non-discrimination against the nationality of the vehicle.

The Commission recognises that large and heavy lorry traffic causes specific problems in urban areas, especially in historic city centres. It is in favour of reducing the impact of trucks on urban environment and on the quality of life. Therefore the Commission has made proposals for fair and efficient road pricing based on the 'polluter pays' principle, it promotes combined transport rail operations to encourage the modal shift of freight traffic from roads and it favours innovative experiences including urban logistics (e.g. distribution centres for goods) which diminish the need for truck movements in cities. In this context, the Commission has promoted under its programme of co-operation in the field of scientific and technical research (COST 321) research on urban goods transport, with findings presented at a seminar on 'Goods transport in the sustainable city' (Vitoria, 6-7 April 1995). Furthermore the Commission supports the activities of a network of 60 municipalities across Europe (car free cities network) which has addressed the problems related to commercial traffic in urban areas through the development of integrated freight management strategies, in order to organise commercial traffic more efficiently, to limit access to the outskirts of towns with the help of intermodal transport, and to reduce the use of polluting fuels and the size and mileage of vehicles within cities. In addition, reference can be made to existing Community legislation concerning emissions of carbon monoxide, hydro-carbons and nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from diesel engines in heavy-duty vehicles (Directive 88/77/EEC, last amended by Directive 96/1/EC) ((OJ L 40, 17.2.1996. )) and concerning noise emissions from motor vehicles (70/157/EEC last amended by 96/20/EC) ((OJ L 92, 13.4.1996. )) In its communication ((COM(96) 248. )) on the Auto-oil programme, the Commission undertook to come forward with proposals for a further tightening of heavy-duty vehicle emission standards. It emphasised the shared responsibility of the Community and local, regional and national authorities in dealing cost-effectively with local environmental problems. On future noise policy, a green paper ((COM(96) 540 final. )) was recently published by the Commission. It outlines options for future actions on tyre noise, integrating noise costs into fiscal instruments, amending Community legislation on road-worthiness tests to include noise and promoting low noise surfaces through Community funding.