The European Parliament approved the Commission proposal subject to sixteen amendments.
Briefly, the purpose of the amendments adopted is to:
- include recitals on promoting combined transport and avoiding empty runs;
- draw attention to the distortion of competition in international transport which could be followed by derogations within the Member States to the maximum vehicle dimensions.
The Commission accepted this amendment;
- replace the term "thick-walled refrigerated vehicle" by "conditioned vehicle" and the minimum thickness of 45 millimetres by an average thickness of 45 millimetres.
The Commission accepted this amendment;
- call on the Commission to conduct a study, within two years, of the consequences of the directive on countries which may join the Union.
The Commission accepted this amendment;
- specify that the trailers towed by buses are specifically designed to carry luggage or other facilities associated with bus transport,
- increase the maximum length of the road train in point 1.1 of annex I from 18.35m to 18.75m.
The Commission accepted this amendment;
- replace "movable superstructures and standardised cargo items such as containers" by "movable transport equipment such as containers, mobile boxes and standardised cargo items" as elements included in the dimensions stipulated in annex I,
- increase the maximum distance from the loading zone from 16m to 16.40m.
The Commission accepted this amendment;
- delete the specific provision of the maximum weight for vehicles with a semi-trailer with three axles where the value axle is fitted with twin tyres and pneumatic suspensions or suspensions recognised as equivalent at Community level.�