EU Commission Urges Member States to Establish 'Green Lanes' for Freight Transport Amid Coronavirus Pandemic
All European Union member states should immediately designate “green lane border crossings” to allow all freight vehicles to pass within 15 minutes, the European Commission said March 23. The announcement, which said the lanes should be open to “all freight vehicles, whatever goods they are carrying,” comes as part of a guidance issued by the commission to keep freight moving across the EU during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance includes links to a communication from the commission to member states about green lanes, guidelines for health-related border measures and an overview of national measures by country.
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Member states should limit all procedures at green lane border crossings “to what is strictly necessary,” the commission said. This includes keeping drivers in their vehicles while screenings are conducted and not requiring drivers “to produce any document other than their identification and driving license and if necessary a letter from the employer.” Member states should also “temporarily suspend all road access restrictions” for freight vehicles, the guidance said.
In a bid to “keep transport moving,” the commission also suggested that member states waive travel restrictions and mandatory quarantines for transport workers “not displaying symptoms.” While states should not require workers to provide a doctor's note to prove their health, they should ensure “enhanced hygiene and operational measures” are being carried out at airports, ports, railway stations and other “land transportation hubs.”