5 September 2007 - An opportunity for the European Parliament to make clear its opposition to the use of 60-tonne ‘monster’ trucks was lost today when MEPs voted to adopt rules under which the lorries could, in future, be allowed to operate.

Considering a report on improving freight logistics across the EU, MEPs in Strasbourg failed to reject provisions which stated that 60-tonne trucks could be allowed to cross EU borders only with the agreement of the country concerned - and where roads and other infrastructure allow.

But the Greens had argued the proposed clause should be scrapped, as it opens the way for future relaxation of the maximum size rules, which currently limit trans-European fright trucks’ weight to 40 tonnes.

Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for South-East England, said: "While it’s important that the EU establishes minimum standards of efficiency and sustainability for Europe’s logistics, there can be no role for monster trucks thundering up and down our roads, guzzling fuel, damaging infrastructure as they do so.

"We felt the clause about 60-tonne trucks opened the door to their use on Europe’s roads in future - and therefore demanded it be voted upon separately.

"I am somewhat surprised and deeply disappointed my colleagues in other parties wanted to support the introduction of these monster trucks in their regions: it marks a real missed opportunity to make a statement about the role of the EU in shifting freight off the roads - and onto our railways.

 

 

ENDS