The Committee adopted the draft recommendation for second reading (rapporteur: Mr Florus WIJSENBEEK (NL, ELD)) on the Council's common position with a view to the adoption of a Council Directive laying down the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community. First reading in Parliament was on 15 November 1995.
More specifically, the common position:
- increases the maximum authorized length of a road train from 18.35 to 18.75;
- increases the maximum authorized width of vehicles other than conditioned vehicles from 2.5 to 2.55 meter;
- extends to domestic freight transport the gules governing the dimensions laid down of or international transport, excluding the maximum height (4m);
- grants up a derogation as regards maximum widths for buses exceeding 2.5 m in width up to 31 December 1999;
- fixes at 40 tonnes the maximum authorized weight in international transport.
The rapporteur also saw his amendment carried emphasizing the need for pneumatic suspension to prevent excessive road damage, maximum axle loads and vehicles to be capable of turning through 360°.
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