CLECAT welcomes the recent clarification of the European Commission on the cross-border journeys of the European Modular System (EMS). In a recent letter from Vice-President Siim Kallas to the Chairman of the Transport and Tourism Committee of the European Parliament certain points of the Directive 96/53/EC on weights and dimensions in road transport were clarified. The Commission has confirmed that the cross-border movements of EMS combinations between consenting Member States which allow their use on their national territory is allowed and in line with the spirit of subsidiarity. 
CLECAT has always been convinced that the overarching principle of the Directive is to create the conditions to further open the market, without creating distortions of competition.  There have been many debates over recent years over the interpretation of the Directive and CLECAT is therefore pleased with the clarification from the Commission. 
Nicolette van der Jagt, Director General of CLECAT said: ”it is important that the intention of the Directive is properly understood.  The cross-border transport of EMS vehicles supports our industries optimise their logistics operations and reduce impacts on the environments. Users of freight transport services will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder on this.”  She added: “the potential increased use of EMS vehicles will also provide additional  efficiency in multimodal operations which are likely to greatly benefit from these combinations that are perfectly suited for intermodal transport.”