ESTA heavy transport bridges new obstacle

ESTA's long-term efforts to reform and harmonise the regulation of heavy transport and abnormal loads within the European Union have recently developed a key milestone reached. The European Association of Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Cranes indicated that these proposals were included in the revisions of the EU Weights and Dimensions Directive (96/53). It is now expected that these revisions in April 2024 will be carried out by the entire European Parliament ratified, followed by a consultation process between the European Council, Parliament and the Commission.

ESTA's long-term efforts to reform and harmonise regulations on heavy transport and abnormal loads within the European Union have recently reached an important milestone.

One of the important aspects of these revisions is the long-awaited European AANZeT of the standard SERT Documentation for vehicle registration with abnormal load. This step, long supported by ESTA, aims to reduce the bureaucratic burden on the sector. SERT, the special European registration for trucks and semi-trailers, is intended to the streamline paperwork. Other proposals planned for AANZeT include:

• A one-stop shop per country for permits
• Standardised permit application forms
• Use of electronic licences
• Harmonisation of rules on guidance and vehicle markings
• Prohibition of language requirements for drivers
• Making systems available in all EU languages On full acceptance, the recently revised Directive will also require EU Member States to a single access point have for all information on the national maximum dimensions and weights of vehicles, including any restrictions such as altitude restrictions in designated areas or on specific roads. The revision also requires the European Commission to develop a webportal which contains all the above mentioned information on heavy and abnormal transport regulations, including detailed information on routes suitable for vehicles carrying indivisible loads. For EU transport operators, this recent development promises a significant simplification and harmonisation of regulation regarding heavy transport and abnormal loads. The long-term efforts of ESTA have led to important proposals that are now included in the revisions of the EU Weights and Dimensions Directive, reducing complexity within the sector.