A series of new laws and changes are going to impact the European transportation companies. France has recently introduced new road bans on trucks, in Germany a bridge in the city of Leverkusen has finally opened for trucks, while the Swedish government is planning to increase the tolls on heavy vehicles. This article gives you all the information you need regarding these changes.
France introduces additional road bans for lorries
France has decided to introduce new additional road bans for trucks during the winter and summer seasons. The restrictions will apply to vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes, except agricultural machinery and special vehicles.
The winter season bans will apply in the Rhône-Alpes region. They will only apply on certain Saturdays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to midnight. The restrictions will apply on the following days:
- 17 February,
- 24 February,
- 2 March,
- 9 March.
During the summer season, the bans will apply throughout the country on certain Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
- 6 July,
- 20 July,
- 27 July,
- 3 August,
- 10 August,
- 17 August,
- 24 August.
The bridge over the Rhine in Leverkusen, Germany, finally opens
The bridge over the Rhine river in Leverkusen is finally open to trucks. The first part of the bridge, which has three lanes in both directions, is now available for heavy weight vehicles to use. The second part of the bridge is still closed as construction works are still ongoing.
The drivers must abide by the 80km/h speed limit. Simultaneously, overtaking other vehicles is strictly prohibited. Importantly, due to ongoing roadworks, the number of lanes on the A1 motorway from the Cologne-Niehl junction in the direction of Dortmund has been reduced from three to two. The previous vehicle weight limits (3.5t or less) no longer apply.
Sweden plans to increase the road toll for trucks
The Swedish government is planning to adopt a law that will make road tolls for trucks dependent on their CO2 emission levels. Under the new law, trucks will be classified into EURO categories. If approved, the new law should enter into force on May 1st, 2024.
Keywords: work for drivers, work for long-haul drivers, road bans, road restrictions, road tolls