Germany is easing restrictions on trucks due to low river levels
Several German states have temporarily eased restrictions on truck traffic on highways on Sundays and holidays. The decision is due to low water levels in rivers, which are making it difficult to transport goods by boat, according to Deutsche Welle.
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) has supported plans to allow freight transport to carry goods on highways throughout the week. BDI Deputy Managing Director Holger Lösch told the Rheinische Post newspaper that shifting part of the freight volume to road and rail transport could reduce disruptions and stabilize supply chains. At the same time, he acknowledged that this would not fully compensate for the loss of river shipping capacity.
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In Germany, most trucks are prohibited from driving on highways on Sundays and public holidays. Exceptions are made, in particular, for the transport of perishable goods.
Environmental groups have criticized the relaxation of the ban, noting that low river water levels are partly linked to global warming, and that an increase in truck traffic will not solve the underlying problem. The Federal Association of Road Freight Transport and Logistics (BGL) emphasized that drivers must continue to comply with driving and rest time requirements. Its representative, Dirk Engelhardt, stated that additional days allowed for driving would not increase the total time available behind the wheel.
