Due to severe droughts and extremely low water levels in local rivers, most goods in certain regions of Germany that are normally transported by water are currently being transported by road. To ease traffic and reduce the load on the road network, some German regions have decided to temporarily ease traffic restrictions on heavy-weight vehicles.
So far, 10 of Germany’s 16 state governments have adopted this measure, but the changes being implemented vary by region.
Baden-Württemberg
In this region, traffic restrictions on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are being temporarily eased. The restrictions are being eased for vehicles directly and indirectly related to severe droughts (e.g., trucks transporting goods that are normally transported by water). The relaxed restrictions will remain in effect until the end of August.
Bavaria
In Bavaria, restrictions in effect on Sundays and holidays will be temporarily eased. These changes are intended to facilitate the transport of various products that are now being transported by road due to the severe drought.
Hamburg
In the Hamburg region, traffic restrictions on Sundays, Saturdays, and holidays – which apply to vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons and trucks with trailers – will be temporarily eased until August 31.
Hesse
In the state of Hesse, traffic restrictions on Sundays and public holidays – which apply to vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons and trucks with trailers – will be temporarily eased until August 31. Certain restrictions in effect on Saturdays will also be lifted.
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
In the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania region, it has also been decided to ease traffic restrictions on vehicles, but the specific details of this change are not yet clear.
Rhineland-Palatinate
In Rhineland-Palatinate, traffic restrictions for heavy weight vehicles will also be eased. It is likely that the easing of restrictions will remain in effect until September 30.
Saarland
Traffic restrictions in Saarland are also being temporarily eased – these changes are expected to remain in effect until September 30.
North Rhine-Westphalia
For traffic directly or indirectly related to the severe drought and low water levels in the Rhine River, traffic restrictions on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are now being eased. The eased restrictions will remain in effect until August 31. These exemptions from traffic restrictions do not apply to exceptionally large vehicles.
Schleswig-Holstein
In the Schleswig-Holstein region, traffic restrictions on trucks on Sundays and holidays are temporarily suspended until August 31. It has also been decided to suspend the traffic restrictions on the A7 highway on Saturdays until the end of the month.
Lower Saxony
In Lower Saxony, traffic restrictions will be eased for vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tons and for trucks with trailers. These changes will remain in effect until August 31.