On Wednesday, 19 June 2024, Romanian authorities announced a truck stop to combat the damaging effects of extreme heat on road surfaces. The ban applies to vehicles exceeding 7.5 tonnes in several counties between 10:00. and 20:00.
This measure, initially set for Wednesday, was extended to Thursday, 20 June 2024, however, authorities warn that if the heatwave continues, the ban may be extended further to protect the asphalt
The counties affected include Ilfov, Giurgiu, Teleorman, Argeș, Dambovița, Dolj, Olt, Vâlcea, Gorj, Mehedinți, Timiș, Caraș-Severin, Hunedoara, Alba, and Sibiu. Notably, Arad County will not enforce the ban on Thursday.
Exceptions
- Specific categories of transport are exempt from this restriction:
- Passenger transport
- Transport of live animals and perishable goods
- Vehicles involved in rescue operations or force majeure situations
- Transportation of dead bodies
- Postal services
- Delivery of first aid equipment
- Fuel supply
- Transport by refrigerated or temperature-controlled vehicles
- Towing damaged vehicles
- Distribution of water and food in disaster areas
- Hygiene-related special vehicles
- Bottled water delivery
- Agricultural product transport
- Military transports involved in international exercises
- Road management and maintenance operations
Hungary
As the National Chief Medical Officer has issued a third-degree heat alert in Hungary, valid until midnight on Saturday 22 June 2024, the local hauliers’ organisation, the Hungarian National Association of Freight Forwarders and Logistics Service Providers (MKFE), has asked the authorities to do the opposite of what’s happening in Romania and lift the ban on trucks over 7.5 tonnes this weekend.
At the time of writing, the ministry has not yet responded to the request.