Last week, European transport commissioner Siim Kallas received a delegation from the ECG, the federation representing automobile logistics companies. Several dossiers were broached :

-         the ‘weights and measures’ directive ; the ECG is proposing harmonisation of lengths at a maximum of 20.75 m, instead of the various national legislations which apply to vehicles transporting cars. Siim Kallas showed himself open to the idea, as there will probably not be any lengthening of maximum dimensions but he encouraged the ECG to take part in the consultations underway.

-         Driver safety: the ECG recalled the lack of guarded car parks for HGV’s in Europe and the dangers that this situation represents for professional drivers who are sometimes subject to armed attack.  Siim Kallas promised to include this point in the search for initiatives to increase transport efficiency.

-         cabotage : Siim Kallas confirmed that a group of 8 experts would submit its conclusions in May 2012 on further liberalisation of road cabotage.
The ECG declared itself satisfied with its discussions on these dossiers.

The federation is putting more dossiers on the table, but does not yet seem to have obtained what it is looking for here :

-         a limitation of sulphur levels in maritime fuel where, according to Kallas, the ECG should first of all work with the environment committee and the Council of Ministers.

-         The introduction of measures to encourage the replacement of obsolete vehicles is not on the agenda of the Parliament and should first be discussed with member states.