The European Road Hauliers Association (UETR), which represents more than 200,000 road transport businesses in Europe with a total capacity of 430,000 commercial vehicles has called on the European Commission to come up with workable CO2 emissions targets.
The UETR says that CO2 emissions targets for new trucks require the creation of a workable and enabling regulatory and operational environment.
To achieve the ambitious targets set by the new European Commission’s proposal on new CO2 emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles, the UETR is calling for the creation of a workable and enabling regulatory and operational environment for road hauliers, ensuring the EU’s energy mix and technology neutrality.
Financial support and accompanying measures to road transport MSMEs both in terms of vehicles and energy products will be key, according to the UETR.
A common European framework, including guidelines for MS and state aid for tax benefits, reduction of production costs and purchase incentives can bring about a supportive environment.
The new proposal requires all EU policy makers to ensure at the soonest the full development all over the EU of alternative fuels infrastructure network at an affordable cost for small hauliers.
Together with targets and requirements for charging points in the development of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T), also incentives for investments in private recharging stations in logistic centres and in warehouse would be needed.Addressing successfully the energy prices crisis is also necessary for the transition to low carbon economy and the achievement of the EU Green Deal objectives by transport operators.
