Gigaliner launch in Denmark

The use of mega trucks in Denmark was started in 2008 delightfully applauded by the truck lobby. Originally it was limited to a three year trial period but not even two years later, in September 2010, the conservative Danish government prolonged the so called trial. Therefore the 25 metre long and 60 tones LHVs are allowed to be used at least until 2017.

Allegedly impartial trials accomplish facts

Simultaneously with the extension of the trial period the initially limited route network was also extended step by step. Meanwhile longer and heavier trucks are factual nationwide in use. There is no official obligation to register a mega truck, every truckage company that wants to take part can do so.

The so called trials in Denmark demonstrate how governments alongside with hauliers and manufacturers use allegedly impartial trials to establish irreversible facts – regardless of all the consequences for the environment, the infrastructure and for road traffic safety.

Approximately 145 Mio. Kr. of taxpayer’s money has been used already to rebuild the road infrastructure. Amongst others roundabouts have been made broader or removed completely to pose no obstacle for longer and heavier trucks. The Danish automobile club FDM and the Danish bicyclist federation DCF already criticised the reconstructions. Due to the modifications not only the mega trucks can make it through the roundabouts, but also car drivers are speeding through.

“They are no use if they have to turn back at the borders”

Representatives of the transport sector are also making no secret of their European ambitions:

 
The Danish government is willingly pushing on the European level for an admission of longer, heavier trucks, so that the Danish road hauliers are able to use their mega trucks Europe-wide. During a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg transportminister Hans Christian Schmidt announced that Denmark will put the topic of mega trucks on the European agenda – then Denmark will hold the EU Council Presidency

More on the use of LHVs in Denmark:

Denmark: Supposedly limited "trial" prolonged until 2017
Germany: Federal government wants gigaliner trials – majority of federal states against deployment
The Netherlands: Several years of testing create fait accompli