Freight transport poses a major challenge in terms of both environmental impacts and road safety. Around three-quarters of freight in Europe is delivered by lorry, and road freight transport is one of the sub-sectors of the transport industry with the fastest growing CO2 emissions. The share of lorries for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and road accidents is expected to continue growing, unless new and stringent measures are taken. To address these challenges at EU level, T&E works on three main issues: smarter lorry design, road pricing and fuel taxation.
The European Commission is considering a change in the interpretation of its legislation on so-called megatrucks. Under the new interpretation, the cross-border circulation of megatrucks, which is currently prohibited, would be allowed. This decision would have a negative impact on road safety and infrastructure and would drastically impact on the competitive position of the rail freight sector, without any benefits for the environment.
EU standards and policies play a vital role in reducing traffic accidents across Europe, but can also contribute to environmental and climate goals. This paper provides inputs to the CARS21 process, highlighting these synergies.
With both safety and environmental challenges in mind, T&E commissioned an independent study from the automotive research institute FKA aimed at identifying the optimal shape and dimensions of a tractor (the part of the lorry that pulls the trailer), integrating new aerodynamic solutions and improving both active and passive s
With both safety and environmental challenges in mind, T&E commissioned an independent study from the automotive research institute FKA aimed at identifying the optimal shape and dimensions of a tractor (the part of the lorry that pulls the trailer), integrating new aerodynamic solutions and improving both active and passive safety.
Proposal on how to improve the Energy Tax Directive by Green Budget Europe, the European Environmental Bureau and Transport & Environment
This briefing aims to provide a short overview of the history and present status of EU energy tax policy, and summarises the Commission's proposal for a revised Energy Tax Directive (ETD), launched in April 2011.
Letter to Ministers of Transport outlining T&E priorities on the Eurovignette directive before the 15-October Transport Council which is due to approve the new piece of legislation.
Report by CE Delft/Significance to investigate to what extent road freight demand is sensitive to price changes. A T&E summary briefing can be read here.
