The Danish government has announced a new scheme that requires hauliers to finance road modifications to allow for the use of extra-long double trailers on the nation’s motorways. Under the plan, transport companies wishing to operate these longer trucks will need to cover the costs of upgrading local roads from their company premises to the motorway network.
The scheme, launched by Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen, aims to expand the use of double trailers, which have been legal on certain sections of the Danish motorway network since January 2024. The extension of this scheme now places the financial burden of necessary road adaptations on the hauliers themselves.
“Long trucks place specific demands on road infrastructure,” said Minister Danielsen in a statement. “This new company scheme gives transport firms the opportunity to connect their routes to the motorway network, but they must finance the necessary upgrades. This is a beneficial move for the green transition, reduces congestion, and allows the transport industry to move more goods with fewer vehicles.”
Self-financed road adaptations
Under the new scheme, transport companies can apply for permission to use double trailers across virtually the entire Danish motorway network, with applications opening on 1 November 2024. However, they must first ensure that the local road network from their facilities to the motorway can accommodate the 34-metre-long, 72-tonne trucks.
The application process requires hauliers to pay a DKK 50,000 (approx €6,700) administration fee to the Road Directorate, which will assess the feasibility of the proposed road modifications. If approved, the hauliers must then collaborate with local municipalities to carry out and fund the necessary upgrades.
The Road Directorate will release detailed guidelines later this autumn to assist applicants and municipalities in the process of connecting to the double trailer road network.