19.5 tonne GVW a step closer

On 5 June, the European Union’s Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council of Ministers reached agreement on revised weights and dimensions for commercial vehicles that will pave the way for a new 19.5 tonne GVW for two axle buses and coaches across Europe. It is being introduced so that they can benefit from existing environmental improvements and allow for alternative fuel propulsion systems without compromising capacity. Currently, the higher limit is permitted in certain countries, including France, but not others such as the UK. Ratification by the EU will still be required before it can become law.