However, according to the Austrian Chamber of Commerce, such bans would not only severely restrict domestic freight transport, but also jeopardise the overall security of supply.
The ban, proposed by Austria’s mobility minister, Leonore Gewessler, is intended to facilitate renovation work on the A10 or „Tauern” motorway, which is part of the E55 European route from Sweden to Greece, and its southern section also of the E66 from Italy to Hungary.
The ban will apply to all commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and will be in force from 26 January to 30 March 2024. The restriction will apply on Friday afternoons from 13:00 to 19:00 and on Saturdays from 7:00 until the weekend truck ban at 15:00.
However, the ban has been strongly opposed by many. One of them is Markus Fischer, Chairman of the Freight Transport Association in the Austrian Chamber of Commerce (WKÖ), who emphasised the need for maintenance work on the road network but stressed the importance of long-term planning and predictability.
“A proliferation of driving bans must be avoided at all costs, especially in high-ranking road networks,” Fischer asserted.
The WKÖ chairman highlighted the imbalance in restrictions faced by heavy traffic compared to private vehicles, stating:
“It cannot be the case that heavy traffic always loses out in the event of possible bans, while private traffic is given free rein.”
He pointed out that the high-level road network, crucial for heavy traffic, is predominantly funded by truck toll revenue, which amounted to approximately €1.677 billion in 2022, more than half of Asfinag’s total revenue.
Fischer raised concerns about the repercussions of short-term and ill-advised driving bans. Such bans, according to Fischer, lead to far-reaching problems, including severe restrictions on the domestic transport industry, disruptions in supply chains, longer transportation times, and increased costs. Companies relying on just-in-time deliveries may even face complete production losses.
Fischer emphasised the fundamental role of efficient freight transport in sustaining the Austrian economy. He argued that disruptions could reduce productivity and competitiveness, while driving bans contribute to detours, subsequently increasing CO2 emissions.
“Overall, ecological, social, and economic sustainability are not taken into account in the planned ban as proclaimed, but are actually worsened,” said Fischer, commenting on the regulation.
In response to the proposed ban, Fischer advocated for clearly defined exceptions in the interests of the population and the economy. He insisted that transports crucial for supplying the Austrian population or the economy should be exempt from driving bans to ensure the best possible security of supply.
Photo credits @ My Friend, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons