The rules mean that manufacturers can use new designs for lorries, which may exceed current weight and length limits if they improve overall environmental and safety.

The new law was agreed informally by the Italian Council Presidency and Parliament negotiators last December but industry lobbyists secured a ban until 2022 even though the new designs are voluntary, not mandatory. The Commission will propose new safety requirements for trucks by amending its vehicle safety regulations by 2016.

Improvements covered:                        

• More rounded lorry cabs would increase the driver's field of vision making it easier to see vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, and reduce drag;
• A deflective shape would reduce the impact of collision;
• An additional weight allowance (up to 1 tonne) for alternative fuel powertrains/engines would encourage take-up of greener technologies;
• Aerodynamic flaps added at the rear of the lorry would help cut fuel consumption and emissions.
• More efficient freight transport: an additional length allowance (15cm) for the intermodal transport of 45-foot standard containers would ease goods deliveries using several modes of transport;
• Stricter enforcement of weight limits and better information for the driver: member states should take specific measures to identify vehicles that are likely to have exceeded the relevant weight limits; data in on-board weight sensors should also be made available to the driver.

William Todts of environmental NGO Transport & Environment (T&E), said: “With today's vote we turn a page in road safety and lorry fuel efficiency, though the effects won't be seen on our roads until 2022. It’s ludicrous that governments gave in to truckmakers’ condition to ban innovation for as long as possible. In an industry that sorely needs more competition, especially on fuel efficiency, Europe should now follow the US example and set ambitious fuel efficiency standards for lorries."

William Todts added: "But how much safer lorries will really be and when they’ll be allowed all depends on a new law that is still in the drafting stage. The Commission should now press ahead and present ambitious truck safety rules by 2016 at the latest. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that we really cannot afford to let pass.”

According to a new European Commission study, life-saving design changes to lorry cabs could save up to 900 lives every year . In a separate declaration the Commission has said it will propose amendments to its vehicle safety regulations in 2016 to develop new safety requirements for trucks.

Meanwhile T&E estimates that a more streamlined cab along with rear flaps could improve fuel efficiency by up to 7-10%, saving hauliers around €3,000 per vehicle per year.