The changes include the introduction of a more rounded cabin at the front and aerodynamic flaps at the back, helping to save the lives of 300-500 pedestrians and cyclists each year.
Introducing the changes, EU transport commissioner Siim Kallas said: ‘A brick is the least aerodynamic shape you can imagine, that's why we need to improve the shape of the lorries on our roads.
‘These changes make road transport cleaner and safer. They will reduce hauliers' fuel bills and give European manufacturers a head-start in designing the truck of the future, a greener truck for the global market.’
The European Commission added the move would save €5,000 a year in fuel costs for a typical long distance lorry covering 100,000km – reducing hauliers’ fuel bills by as much as 10%.
In environmental terms, it will save more than 7.8 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The proposals also include high-tech weighing systems that, according to the European Commission, will be more consistently applied from country to country, with a resultant benefit of fewer overweight lorries leading to less potholes.
The changes follow the recent tragedy in London where a cyclist was killed after a collision with a lorry, with Mr Kallas commenting: ‘Being a cyclist next to a big lorry at a road junction can be very dangerous.
‘When he (the lorry driver) turns right – or left in the UK – he might not see you. That's why better sideways visibility is one of the elements of our new rules for safe and green lorries.’
The move has been greeted by the UK’s Institute of Advanced Motorists, with IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig commenting: ‘The IAM are pleased that lorry design is finally catching up with the principles that have made cars so much safer in recent years. Crumple zones, side skirts and softer fronts will help reduce death and injury for all road users as well as the most vulnerable. The EU must move quickly to establish the right legislative framework so that we can see these new lorries on our roads as soon as possible.’
