Hungrail: the appearance of giga trucks would cause social and environmental damage

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 05. 10. 10:36

The appearance of giga trucks larger and heavier than traditional trucks on European roads would, in addition to reducing the competitiveness of the rail freight sector, have negative social and environmental effects – the Hungarian Railway Association of Hungrail believes in response to an upcoming EU directive amendment.

In its statement delivered to MTI on Friday, the association points out that the amendment of the EU directive on the weight and dimensions of road trucks (96/53) would have a serious impact for several reasons. Due to their extreme size and mass, giant trucks pose a greater danger in traffic, put more strain on the road network and pose a serious threat to the environment.

According to their calculations, the appearance of giga trucks on the roads would increase carbon dioxide emissions by 6.5 million tons per year, contribute to air pollution, and hinder the EU’s climate goals.