Nordic, German and French road haulage associations welcome green transition of transport sector: Need for a clear roadmap and investment signals!
The green transition of the transport sector is a crucial and a great challenge. But it will not happen by itself. The entire haulage sector, mainly composed of SME companies, has for more than 20 years already worked hard to ensure a safe and environmentally friendly transport by reducing air pollutant emissions as well as fuel consumption. Our companies which have proven to be strategic during the COVID-19 crisis are committed to further lower greenhouse gas emissions in order to fight global warming. To this end, we encourage legislators to take a pragmatic approach whereby appropriate economic incentives have to be introduced while ensuring fair competition across borders.
European legislators are about to debate the increase of the reduction aim of greenhouse gas emissions from 40% to 50/55% or even 65% until 2030. Time is over for lengthy debates on emissions reduction targets. All transport related sectors including the energy supply sector, gas stations and service providers need a strategic roadmap with a binding framework to introduce green technology. The road haulage sector must know the path to follow in order to make the right investments and to take part effectively in the greening of society.
European politics need to establish general rules by defining the energy sources of the future, giving manufacturers a reliable signal for future investments and leaving the decision for the appropriate technology to be used by the industry while Member States will implement the roadmap in a harmonised way.
With the right incentivising schemes or programs to accelerate the introduction of green technology into the market, road haulage companies can “translate” the available green technology into their business supported by the public authorities. By doing so, Europe will be able to drive a rapid take-up of new technology to green the transport sector.
We stand ready to do our part, as the other modes will have to do as well, and look forward to a close dialogue with the European Commission, Member States and the European Parliament.
Contacts:
Isabelle Maître (FNTR) + 32 476 984 283
Dirk Saile (BGL) + 32 497 462 880
Torsten Laksafoss Holbek (NLA) +32 474 048 005
