Estonia, Legislation, Markets and Companies, Transport, Woodwork

At the end of December, Palo signed a decree, according to which, starting March 1, round wood can be transported on 52 tonnes-weighing laden vehicles. According to the revised regulations, in the framework of a pilot project, it is allowed to transport round timber with 48- and 52-tonne laden weight road trains on the basis of short-term and long-term special permits all-year-round.

Estonian Forest and Timber Industries Association executive director Ott Otsmann said that the pilot project is based on the fact that by transporting the corresponding loads with more road-friendly trucks that have more axles and wheels, has a more positive impact on the roads and the environment.

"We transport more at a time, i.e. we drive a fewer number of times. The truck is suitable for that and it gives the opportunity to save on fuel and roads. Fewer emissions are emitted in the air," said Otsmann.

Highway Transport Companies Union director Villem Tori has high hopes for this project because the Highways Board is preparing an electronic monitoring system, data collection, and issuing digital permits, which all enable to observe that all the rules are adhered to.

Tallinn Technical University Roads Institute lecturer Ain Kendra said that, for example, in Latvia and Finland, together with allowing higher load capacity, minimum requirements to the capacity of the truck are enforced. Kendra doubts that the issuers of the permit are able to fix the damaged roads afterwards.