Skip to main content

EU cooperation using ‘intelligent transport’ can cut CO2, says IRU

Decarbonisation of commercial road transport and logistics should be linked to safety improvements and efficiency gains if the ambitious EU CO2 emissions reduction targets are to be met, according to a major new report on the future of commercial road transport in the EU, published by world transport organisation IRU. The report, Commercial Vehicle of the Future, claims measures to decarbonise road freight transport could provide new opportunities to further improve road safety and optimise operational e
February 17, 2017 Read time: 2 mins
Decarbonisation of commercial road transport and logistics should be linked to safety improvements and efficiency gains if the ambitious EU CO2 emissions reduction targets are to be met, according to a major new report on the future of commercial road transport in the EU, published by world transport organisation IRU.

The report, Commercial Vehicle of the Future, claims measures to decarbonise road freight transport could provide new opportunities to further improve road safety and optimise operational efficiency as the industry attempts to meet the challenging but achievable environmental targets.

By adopting a holistic approach to the sector a unique forward-looking vision on the future of road freight transport and logistics has been created. The report aims to take stock of how evolving technologies and trends could shape the use of commercial vehicles in the future, and how these measures might have positive cross-over benefits for improving road safety and operational efficiency.

According to Marc Billiet, who leads IRU’s work on road freight transport and environmental affairs in Europe, the road freight transport and logistics industry is well under way to meet its voluntary commitment to reduce CO2 emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. However, he believes it will be very difficult to reach these targets without close cooperation with partners in the public and private sector such as the European Institutions, national governments, vehicle and component manufacturers, fuel producers, ITS providers, clients and NGOs.

Related Content

  • Maturing photo enforcement gains legal status, public support
    August 2, 2012
    In the US, affirmation of the photo traffic enforcement sector's legal status and rising public support were significant aspects of 2009. James Tuton, President and CEO of American Traffic Solutions, looks back over the year. In 2009, the photo traffic enforcement industry in North America continued to grow and mature, accompanied by increased public, legislative and legal scrutiny. While public support remains strong, we also saw increased attempts to undermine the industry by representatives of a small bu
  • IRF Geneva & IRU make 'digitalisation & decarbonisation' pledge
    February 21, 2023
    Trade bodies sign MoU to focus on 'challenges and opportunities' for mobility sector
  • LowCVP calls on truck operators and others to focus on cutting truck emissions
    October 22, 2015
    To coincide with its participation in the new Freight in the City event on 27 October, the LowCVP is calling on fleet operators, local authorities and others to join forces in building the market for heavy goods vehicles which cut carbon, reduce emissions and lower fuel costs. In earlier research, the LowCVP has identified three main opportunities for cutting emissions from HGVs which pointed to the need for specific interventions: independent testing to validate the effectiveness of retrofit technology
  • Providing good public transport services ‘a challenge for rural areas’, says report
    May 12, 2015
    A new report from the International Transport forum at the OECD, International Experiences on Public Transport Provision in Rural Areas, claims that, to ensure continued access to public transport for citizens in rural areas, the definition of public transport should be reconsidered by public authorities. Low population density and competition from private cars make it difficult to operate profitable commercial public transport services in rural areas, as costs per passenger are much higher than in dense