The European Parliament yesterday voted in favor of a series of new policies designed to cut emissions and mobilize investment in clean technologies across the bloc's transport industry.

 

MEPs backed European Commission proposals for new rules designed to make heavy goods vehicles safer and more fuel efficient, primarily by imposing new standards on the industry that would tackle blind spots that can lead to accidents and improve the aerodynamic design of lorries.

 

The Commission said the proposal would result in cabs with a more rounded shape and the use of aerodynamic flaps at the back of lorries, which have been shown to cut fuel use by between seven and 10 per cent, while also reducing the risks faced by cyclists and pedestrians as a result of conventional cab designs that can make it difficult for drivers to see other road users.

 

The Commission said that for a long distance lorry covering 100,000km a year the changes would cut fuel costs by €5,000 a year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.8 tonnes.

 

The proposals now have to go before the European Council of member states, but could still be adopted this year and are expected to come into force before the end of the decade.