Analysis of modular transport systems functioning in selected European countries

Abstract

This study presents an analysis of transport modular systems in selected European countries. The European Modular System is characterized and legal acts concerning transport means and systems used for this form of transport are discussed. The study focuses on the European countries which take advantage of this system and the scope of its utilization. Based on the literature and source materials, a comparative analysis was performed and purposefulness the European Modular Systems in Europe was determined.

Ecological conditions for the implementation of the european modular systems in road transport

“…Therefore, it is necessary to look for other solutions, which will make it possible to organise transport on a larger scale, at the same time eliminating its negative effects. One of such solutions could be the use of European Modular Systems, which are currently used worldwide [27][28][29][30][31]. Such a solution will allow replacing 3 standard sets of vehicles by two longer sets [29,32].…”

“…Article 4 of the above-mentioned Directive indicates that Member States may authorise the use of vehicles or combinations of vehicle sets, which are intended for the transport of goods in national traffic, provided that they do not significantly restrict international competition in the transport sector. Vehicles deviating from the values laid down in the Directive may then circulate within the territory concerned [27,29,33,34].…”

“…In Appendix I of the Directive, the normative values are specified for [27,28,34]: a. maximum allowable vehicle lengths: Of the above concepts, it seems that configuration D with a 3-axle 6x2/6x4 chassis hooked by a fork lift truck and a 13,6 m 3-axle articulated trailer deserves special attention in terms of use. Considering the passage through roundabouts on national roads where the radius of the inner island is 5 m, vehicles in the above configuration are technically suitable [31,36].…”

“…In the last third of the test phases, 397 companies joined the tests. Tests have shown that the introduction of longer vehicles in the Netherlands has contributed to a reduction in the number of kilometres travelled and an increase in cargo transport, as well as, very importantly, a reduction in CO2 emissions from 63 to 56g per ton-kilometre, which represented about an 11% reduction in CO2, and in NOx emissions from 0.4 to 0.37g per ton, which involved a 14% reduction [27][28][29][30][31]33,34]. In addition, analyses have shown that there has been an increase in transport efficiency, and the Dutch are also trying to test longer 32 m vehicle sets which, if the tests are successful, they will authorise for use on fixed routes.…”

“…Analyses confirm that the operation of road trains in this country contributes to a reduction in fuel consumption and therefore a reduction in negative environmental impacts. Finnish legislation from 2019 also allows vehicles longer than 25,25 m, this type of vehicles is used on routes between shopping centres and factories [27].…”