The May holidays are approaching, a time that many are looking forward to. This is the period that many of us plan to use for relaxation, travel and meetings with loved ones. However, ahead of the long weekend, please be aware that traffic may be partially restricted. Especially for carriers and transport companies, May Day on the road is a time of exceptional logistics and organizational challenges.
Here are some important points to consider:
In Poland, traffic restrictions apply to vehicles with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12 tons. During the May weekend, driving bans in Poland apply at the following times:
- April 30th – from 18:00 to 22:00.
- May 1st – from 8:00 to 22:00.
- May 2nd – from 18:00 to 22:00.
- May 3rd – from 8:00 to 22:00.
The ban does not apply to certain groups of vehicles involved in rescue operations, humanitarian operations, disaster relief, repair of breakdowns and used:
- for transportation of medicines and medical supplies,
- for the purpose of free medical preventive examinations,
- for transportation of perishable products and foodstuffs,
- for transportation of animals,
- for the transportation of parcels within the framework of postal activities,
- due to the need to maintain the continuity of the production cycle or the provision of services to an enterprise operating in a continuous mode,
- in the construction of roads and bridges and their maintenance.
Similar restrictions on freight transport are in effect in other European countries. On May 1, 2024, Austria, Croatia, France, Germany and Italy introduced a ban on truck traffic. The purpose of this ban is to minimize traffic jams and improve road capacity during periods of increased tourist flow.
In Poland there are certain penalties for violating this prohibition:
- The driver may be fined from PLN 200 to 500.
- Carrier up to PLN 2000.
- Transport manager up to PLN 1000.
Truck ban in Europe
May 1th, 2024
- Austria – 00:00 – 22:00.
- Croatia – 00:00 – 22:00.
- Czech Republic – 13:00–22:00.
- France – 00:00 – 22:00.
- Luxembourg – 00:00 – 21:45.
- Germany – 00:00–22:00.
- Slovakia – 00:00-22:00.
- Slovenia – 8:00–22:00.
- Hungary – 00:00–22:00.
- Italy – from 9:00 to 22:00.
- Liechtenstein – 00:00–24:00.
Advice for transporters:
To avoid problems over the May holidays, it is important to take appropriate action both before planning a move and during its implementation. Here are some tips that may be useful for carriers and transport companies:
- Carefully plan your route and travel dates: Before you travel, it is worth carefully reviewing the local road transport regulations in the countries through which you plan to travel.
- Flexibility and monitoring of the situation: Road conditions can change dynamically, especially during long weekends. It is worth constantly monitoring the situation, being mobile and ready to adjust plans if necessary.
- Safety of drivers and cargo: During the May weekend, when there is increased traffic on the roads, it is especially important to ensure the safety of drivers and cargo being transported. Ensure drivers have adequate rest time and loads are properly secured.
- Communication with clients and business partners: During the May holidays, delays and difficulties with transport may occur. Therefore, it is important to maintain constant communication with clients and business partners, informing them about the progress of transportation and possible changes in plans.
The May weekend on the roads is a time of increased traffic and special challenges for carriers and transport companies. Please pay attention to current road restrictions and plan your routes carefully.
We wish you a good weekend!