Belgium – The Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles (the “European Automobile Manufacturers Association” or ACEA) of Brussels, Belgium has published a position paper which reviews the current European Council directive on the maximum weights and dimensions of heavy-duty vehicles and provides recommendations for changes which it believes would be more accommodating to zero-emission vehicles. 

The paper was written in response to a call for feedback from the general public and stakeholders on the “Weights and Dimensions Directive” (Council Directive 96/53/EC) issued by the European Commission earlier this year. The consultation period lasted from 26 April to 19 July. The ACEA has now released its thoughts on the current regulation to the public; below, we summarise the main points of the report (with the ACEA’s permission). 
 
The ACEA is making two overall recommendations: that limits on dimensions and weights be expanded to account for the additional space and weight requirements of electric powertrains; and that longer and heavier vehicle combinations be allowed on the road.