European transport associations in the road-rail, rail and inland waterway sector are increasingly worried about the upcoming vote in the European Parliament on the amendment of Directive 96/53 on the weights and dimensions of road vehicles, as well as the commencement of the proposal’s deliberation in the European Council.
Whilst the title of the legislation suggests that it should cover road transport, it includes a number of issues that affect combined transport. This concerns in particular the introduction of a new definition for “intermodal transport”, as well as particular rules on short sea shipping. These changes are being proposed without a relevant impact assessment and without adequate consultation of the affected stakeholders involved in combined transport operations.