Considerable interest in longer vehicle combinations in Europe

Last month Volvo Trucks organised a seminar in Warsaw on the opportunities offered by the European Modular System (EMS), together with the Swedish Road Administration and the Dutch Transport Ministry. This concept promises a safer and better traffic environment whilst lowering the burden on Europe’s roads.

The authorities in Poland and its neighbouring countries were invited to the seminar, together with representatives of the trade press, where Volvo Trucks presented the possibilities offered by EMS. This system, developed by Volvo Trucks and Volvo Logistics, utilises two 25.25m truck combinations to do the same transport work as three of today’s combinations and has been in use in both Sweden and Finland since they entered the EU.

The authorities in the Netherlands have been carrying out tests on the modular system for some time, but these are scheduled to conclude this November. Tests involving EMS will soon commence in Denmark and in three of Germany’s federal states. In addition, discussions are ongoing in many other EU countries. The results of these field tests will be included in the decision-making basis for the European Union’s drive to find better transport solutions in Europe.

“So far, the results of the tests have been very positive in every respect as regards the environment and safety,” says Chris Kamphraath, test project manager of the Dutch Ministry of Transport.

There is already an EU directive that allows EU vehicles to switch to longer combinations for operation in Sweden and Finland. Combinations in these countries may today measure up to 25.25 metres in length, although the maximum length in the other EU countries is 18.85 metres for a truck and trailer and 16.5 metres for a semi-trailer combination.

“We see considerable potential for the modular system because we feel it represents a safe way of boosting the efficiency of all of Europe’s road transportation and improving the environment,” says Lennart Pilskog, Head of Public Affairs at Volvo Trucks.