The 2024 holiday season brings a number of restrictions for truckers in both Poland and other European countries. The holiday period imposes challenge on carriers.
Starting June 21, 2024, a ban on some of the truck vehicles has been launched in Poland, but also in many European countries. These restrictions will be scheduled until August 28, 2024. Main reasons behind those bans are; improving traffic flow and increasing road safety during the period of increased tourist migration.
Holiday restrictions in Poland
The holiday truck bans in Poland are aimed at restricting the movement of trucks not only during holidays, but also on Fridays and weekends, a period of increased passenger car traffic. The purpose of these bans is to monitor traffic during the period of increased geographic traffic, especially on Fridays and weekends, ensuring road safety and the comfort of travelers. During the holiday period, there is a ban on trucks weighing more than 12 tons during the following hours:
- Fridays: from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Saturdays: from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
- Sundays: from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Carriers who fail to comply with traffic regulations may be fined 2,000 PLN.
Who is not covered by the restrictions?
The ban doesn’t apply to trucks carrying perishable goods and foodstuffs, medicines, live animals, as well as some vehicles carrying ADR goods and trucks used in combined transport.
Summer traffic bans in Europe – selected destinations
- Germany: a permanent ban on trucks with a gross vehicle weight of more than 7.5 tons applies every Sunday from midnight to 10 p.m. What’s more, in July and August, the ban is extended to include every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on certain road sections.
- France: truck bans are in effect on Saturdays from 10 p.m. to Sunday 10 p.m. and on certain holidays. French regulations are among the most restrictive in Europe, requiring carriers to plan their routes in detail.
- Italy: bans apply on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Additional restrictions may be imposed during the tourist season to reduce traffic on popular routes.
- Austria: holiday truck traffic bans last from July 6 to August 31 on the A13 highway. During this period, the truck ban is in place every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In addition, the ban combines with a permanent weekend restriction, which is in effect on Saturdays from 3:00 p.m. to midnight and on Sundays and holidays from midnight to 10:00 p.m.
We wish you safe travels!