Less congestion, less pollution, less costs

5 May 2004

The European Shippers’ Council made a plea during a Commission Hearing in Brussels for recognition of the positive role that longer vehicle combinations can play in a sustainable transport policy. In a presentation held yesterday (4 May) before representatives of the European Commission and EU Member States, ESC outlined how the use of long haulage vehicles can make road transport substantially more efficient.

Mr Rune Landin, ESC’s new Inland Transport Council’s Chairman said: “Allowing the use of longer trucks, already common practice for years in Sweden and Finland, simultaneously decreases congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, road wear and transport costs, without compromising road safety”. Mr Landin presented the results of a study by TFK and NEA, Swedish and Dutch research institutes, indicating that trips savings would amount to 32%, fuel savings to 15% and transport costs to no less than 23%.

ESC has called on the Commission and the Member States to recognise the advantages of long haulage vehicles by allowing and encouraging its wider use.

For further information please contact:

Mr Rune Landin (Director Public Affairs, VOLVO) tel: + 46 730 661 372 or

For further information contact: Nicolette van der Jagt, Secretary General of the ESC - Brussels 00 322 230 2113