Due to low water on the Rhine: Bilger is considering lifting the truck driving ban on Sundays
On the Rhine, shipping traffic is threatened with drying up due to low water. The transport minister can imagine allowing trucks to drive on Sundays and public holidays too, in order to shift the flow of traffic.
Bundesverkehrsminister Steffen Bilger (CDU) has announced several short-term measures following a low-water expert conference in Bonn, aimed at helping the economy maintain supply chains on key waterways like the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe. Despite the unpredictable weather, Bilger stated, "We could ensure our economy fares better during these challenging weeks."
He discussed potential exemptions from the trucking ban on Sundays and holidays for particularly affected goods, as well as faster approval for heavy transport rerouted to roads. Bilger has already spoken to the states and received a strong willingness to cooperate. The federal highway operator was instructed to avoid unnecessary construction site delays affecting traffic alternatives.
The rail freight company DB Cargo pledged to support the water-stressed industry, increase rail freight, and coordinate with energy providers to develop loading strategies, Bilger added. The extreme low water presents a concrete economic challenge and a concern for supply, he concluded after the meeting.
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