History and future of EU HDV weights and dimensions policy: insights in policy preparation

Abstract

The Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53/EC), which governs the weights and dimensions of heavy commercial vehicles in the European Union, has been in place for 25 years. It is currently being reviewed by the European Commission with the aim of updating it to reflect the current needs of the freight transport market. This paper will describe the steps in the review and update process. The starting point is an evaluation of what the current Directive has achieved since its entry into force some 25 years ago, in light of the objectives set at its inception and how these have changed and impacted amendments to the Directive over its lifetime. Based on the results of the evaluation, the new policy priorities and related legislation, a set of new policy measures are developed and assessed on its economic, social and environmental impacts. This includes measures to decarbonize the sector, achieve further harmonization of rules among Member States, and strengthen the enforcement of rules.