Germany’s state authorities have extended the country-wide trial period for the use of digital co-drivers in abnormal transports until the end of June 2027.
The European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes (ESTA) said the trial, which was introduced in summer 2024, was due to expire on December 31, 2025 when uniform federal regulations were expected to be adopted instead. However, delays in developing a nationwide system by the Federal Ministry of Transport has meant that individual states have agreed to extend the trial period to June 2027.
ESTA said it supports the use of digital co-drivers and has lobbied for Europe to agree a common system as a way to both improve safety and efficiency in the heavy transport industry. “We hope that Germany’s support for electronic co-drivers is a first step towards the development of an agreed common approach right across Europe,” said the association’s director, Ton Klijn. “Current paper-based systems mean trucks have to carry huge numbers of documents which is both inefficient, less safe and increases the chance of loss, unintentional errors and delays,” he added.
There is common acceptance that electronic systems are preferable, but Klijn added: “It would be tragic if the transport authorities allow a fragmented approach with different incompatible systems being developed in different countries.”
Two such systems are the Efficient Road Navigation Assistant (ERNA) developed by German heavy transport support company Sommer, and the IntelliDrive system from Intelliroad. Both companies are ESTA members.
These systems assist the truck driver and the driver of the accompanying vehicle in complying with the route of the permit and the associated conditions, and can advise on driving restrictions and rest areas. The tools provide a visual display and an audible announcement of the authorised route along with driving conditions and instructions that are linked to a GPS position.
