A tragic accident on France's A72 motorway this morning, which involved as many as 23 vehicles, has killed one person and seriously injured another three. 

Black ice believed to have caused fatal accident in France involving 23 vehicles

As usual, over the Christmas and New Year period, there are various different HGV bans in force throughout Europe. In addition, there are HGV bans in 3 European countries on December 8th. 

HGV bans this December and over the Christmas/New Year period

A driver was fined nearly 1,500 euros in Luxembourg because the tachograph in his HGV hadn't been configured well enough. As a result, the device registered availability incorrectly several times, Dutch haulier association TLN reported. Such fines have been reportedly issued in France as well.

TLN warns of almost €1,500 euros fine for using wrong tachograph setting

Just over a fortnight ago, the French government met with various stakeholders in the logistics industry to discuss the country's driver shortage. The goal of the talks was to form a plan to make the profession of lorry driver more attractive. One of the ideas floated was a ban on drivers loading and unloading, something that has already been implemented in Spain and Portugal. 

France mulls ban on lorry drivers conducting loading and unloading activities

The Norwegian government has changed its road transport rules in order to implement EU regulations. It is now known that the new rules will apply as of November 1st.

Norway to adopt EU Mobility Package rules from 1 November

A lorry driver who spent his breaks thieving from other drivers at rest stops has been given a 3-month suspended sentence by a French court. The Belarusian trucker said he stole from others so as to earn some extra cash on the side.

HGV driver handed suspended sentence for multiple rest area thefts

Truck bans in Europe this autumn

<p class="article-content__subtitle-pl" data-test="article.subtitle">The Spanish Civil Guard has said it has increased HGV checks focused on the detection of illegal diesel. It adds that is looking for lorries using B-type diesel fuel, which is illegal for trucks but legal for agricultural vehicles and industrial machinery. 

Spain ramps up HGV checks to detect illegal diesel usage

This September there will be public holidays in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Liechtenstein, all of which see the implementation of HGV bans. There are also 4 Sunday truck bans in Italy.

HGV bans in Europe this September

The Tyrolean Government has decided to temporarily lift the sectoral HGV ban due to the suspension of the RoLa connection between Wörgl and Brenner. 

Agnieszka Kulikowska - Wielgus