Due to an increase in traffic during the summer holiday seasons, Germany is implementing new additional restrictions for trucks. These truck bans are an attempt to ease traffic on local roads, avoid traffic jams, and speed up the infrastructural development of local motorway networks. The new truck bans will be in place from July 1st up until August 31st.

These restrictions apply for trucks that weigh more than 7,5t. According to these new changes, trucks will not be allowed to use specific roads every Saturday from 7AM until 10PM. The truck bans will apply on the following roads:

• On the A4 motorway that is connecting the southwestern part of Germany with the east side. Around 40,000 vehicles use this road every 24 hours. During the holiday season, the traffic can increase by 20-40%. The fact that there are road works on some sections of this motorway means that the traffic has been even more intense in the past weeks.
• On motorway no. 5 between the Homberg junction and Hattenbacher. This road becomes particularly important during the holiday season as it connects the southwestern part of the country with the western and eastern parts of Germany. Around 50,000 vehicles use this road every 24 hours, however, on Saturdays in summer the traffic increases by 30-50%. Instead of using this road, long-haul drivers can use B49 or B62.

It is also important to note that there are expansion roads being carried out on roads A10 and A24. It is expected that once these works are complete the A10 motorway will ease travelling for both truck drivers but also those who are going on holiday. However, for now, it is crucial to limit truck traffic in order to avoid traffic in the summer.

Keywords: work for drivers, work for long-haul drivers, truck bans, road restrictions