Megatrucks * Europe - Heading for Irish roads

So-called "megatrucks" could be on the way to Ireland following the publication of a research paper for the European Commission, which claims that they will reduce traffic congestion and be less polluting

Dublin,Ireland -HGV -24 June 2009: -- ... The research paper looked into the feasibility of running longer and heavier vehicles on Europe's roads. The "megatrucks" would be more than 25.2 metres long and weigh 60 tonnes... On foot of the research it is understood that the Commission is considering framing a new transport directive, which would eventually lead to their introduction across Europe... The campaign for "megatrucks" is being spearheaded by the Dutch road haulage industry, which claims they are 15-30 per cent cheaper to run than normal HGV trucks per unit of freight... The lobby is eager to claw back cargo that has been diverted to railways and argues that "megatrucks" are more environmentally friendly than rail... (Photo from allianz-pro-schiene.de: Mega Truck Mecklenburg Vorpommern)