The new access requirements for trucks on Maasvlaktes 1 and 2 will take final effect on 1 January 2014. The new requirements were set down in a traffic order issued by the Municipality of Rotterdam on 22 May 2012. No appeal was lodged and this order therefore became final. The previous traffic order, which would have imposed strict access requirements from 1 January 2013, has been cancelled.
New traffic order
According to the new traffic order, from 1 January 2014 onwards, all trucks with a diesel engine must have a clean Euro VI engine if they wish to enter the Maasvlaktes. Trucks with a new number plate issued before 1 January 2013 form an exception. They may not be older than 7 years to enter the Maasvlaktes, calculated from the first admission date into the EU. For 2014, this means that they may not predate 1 January 2007. The access requirements apply on Maasvlakte 1 and the new Maasvlakte 2. This involves the whole area to the west of Stenen Baakplein. They were drafted in close consultation between the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port Authority, Transport en Logistiek Nederland TLN (professional carriers) and EVO (shippers and receivers).
Old order cancelled
The new order replaces an earlier traffic order from 2010, which was due to take effect on 1 January 2013. Only trucks which met the Euro V standard would then have been admitted to the Maasvlaktes. On 1 January 2016, this access requirement would have been moved up a notch to Euro VI. In comparison with this old order, the new one will result in the accelerated introduction of Euro VI, but carriers will be able to replace their vehicles more gradually. As a result, the destruction of capital is avoided as much as possible. The new order is in accordance with European and Dutch environmental regulations.
Exemptions and enforcement
The Municipality of Rotterdam is cooperating with the Port of Rotterdam Authority, TLN and EVO on the further elaboration of the exemption policy and the enforcement of the access requirements. More will be known about this later in the year.
