The European Parliament’s recent decision to allow 60-tonne mega-trucks to operate on European Union roads is sparking a debate about their suitability for urban areas. Although these trucks were designed to increase the efficiency of transporting goods over long distances, their integration into the urban environment raises serious concerns.

From a road safety perspective, mega-trucks present particular challenges due to their considerable size, which increases the risk of accidents in densely populated areas. To mitigate these risks, measures such as limiting permitted routes and improving road infrastructure are being considered.

Mega trucks: the city’s nightmare?

The European Parliament’s recent decision to allow 60-tonne mega-trucks to operate on EU roads raises important questions about their potential impact on urban traffic. These sliding trucks consist of a container and a trailer. The idea, obviously, is to be able to load more goods (up to 75% more goods) without adding trucks to the roads, thus saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions. Although these vehicles are primarily designed for transporting goods over long distances, their adoption in cities raises concerns about road safety, congestion and environmental impact. But how will these mega-trucks move around the city and what measures will be taken to reduce the associated risks? One of the main concerns regarding the movement of mega-trucks in the city is road safety. Indeed, these large vehicles pose particular challenges in terms of visibility and maneuverability, which can increase the risk of accidents, especially in densely populated cities. To reduce these risks, measures such as restrictions on permitted routes, speed limits and road infrastructure improvements can be introduced to ensure safety pedestrianscyclists and other road users.

Another serious problem associated with the movement of mega-trucks in the city is traffic jams. Vehicles of this size take up more space on the road and can cause delays and congestion, especially during rush hours. Effective traffic management strategies such as flexible delivery schedules, dedicated truck lanes and intelligent traffic management systems are essential to avoid increasing congestion.

Mega trucks: not everyone takes them kindly

In addition, the environmental impact of mega-trucks in cities is a major concern. While these vehicles may offer long-distance carbon-reducing benefits, their use in urban areas can lead to increased air and noise pollution. For the environmentalist Karima Delli, a member of the transport committee of the European Parliament, these mega-trucks do not reduce CO2 emissions at all, and remember that these trucks run on diesel! These trucks are also exciting railway freight transportation. Frederic Delorme, president of Rail Logistics Europe (SNCF), clarifies this. “The railway is seven times more energy efficient than the road” and condemns the danger to road users due to increased stopping distances and turning difficulties.
However, it should be noted that the circulation of these trucks is still subject to final verification by the European Council.

At the moment, twenty-seven have not yet decided on their position on this issue. Thus, after the European elections in June, a trialogue with the Parliament and the Commission will be organized to finalize the legislative process on the text and confirm its possible application.