Baden-Württemberg extends truck driving ban exemptions to ease low water impact

Baden-Württemberg is extending exemptions to the Sunday and holiday driving ban for trucks until the end of September, a measure aimed at alleviating supply chain issues caused by persistent low water levels. Transport Minister Nicole Razavi announced the extension, citing the "escalating situation on federal waterways" that presents "considerable challenges" for inland shipping and businesses.

Initially set to expire at the end of August, the exceptions will now also cover large and heavy transports. The requirement for cargo to be indivisible will be waived for transports up to 44 tons. These measures allow goods that cannot be transported by water due to low river levels to be moved by road, including necessary empty return trips.

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The escalating situation on federal waterways presents considerable challenges for inland shipping and thus for many companies in Baden-Württemberg.

The decision, however, is not without controversy. While economic and logistics associations welcome the potential relief for supply chains, unions express concern about increased burdens on drivers. Environmental groups, like the BUND, argue that low river levels are a symptom of the climate crisis and that solutions like dredging or more trucks do not address the root cause. The logistics association also noted that roads cannot fully compensate for the lost capacity of inland shipping.

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Low river levels are a symptom of the climate crisis. Measures like dredging riverbeds or more trucks on highways will not solve the problem.