• Reduction of the number of truck transports and less congestion 
• Larger efficiency in the transport trade 
• Fuel consumption and air pollution will decrease and lead to greener transports

Due to increased globalisation, Europe is being tied more and more together, which feeds the need for more efficient and flexible transports through the cor-ridors from the North to the South. Moreover, political focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating greener transports are also in tune with what MVC transports are able to contribute with in terms of environmental considerations.

In February 2007 a majority of the Danish Parliament passed a change of the national Road Traffic Act, authorising the Minister for Transport to permit MVC’s in Denmark on a specifically selected road network as of March 1, 2007.

Driving MVC’s means an extension of the maximum length of a road train from 18.75 metres to 25.25 metres and an increase of the maximum weight of the load allowed from 48 tonnes to 60 tonnes.

The three-year trial was launched on November 24, 2008. In the latest agree-ment on future Danish traffic investments from January 2009, A Green Trans-port Policy, the national Parliament agreed to lengthen the MVC trial beyond 2011. The precise conditions concerning a lengthening will depend on the analysis and evaluation of the first three-year trial. This MVC trial is a corner-stone in the Danish government’s endeavour to create a coherent, sustainable society in terms of environment and traffic.

Due to their large freight volume, MVC’s can contribute to an increased effi-ciency/productivity in the transport trade, reduce the total amount of trucks and spare nature and environmental costs – including effects on climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental challenges and increasing traffic (congestion) require ultra-modern transport types that are both flexible and environmentally correct. MVC transports are able to meet these demands. In short, MVC’s are able to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses and pollution and at the same time increase capacity on the road network.

The trial is based on the following main principles:

• Use of the existing overall coherent motorway network 
• The coupling on to ports and rail terminals 
• The including of specific companies near the selected road network

The MVC trial is part of a comprehensive Danish strategy to create a greener transport sector, which was confirmed in the broad and coherent political agreement on a green transport policy in January 2009. With the issuing of January’s traffic agreement, a sum of approximately €12.5 billion was set aside for future investments. Considerable resources concern initiatives targeted to-wards securing greener transports.

As a consequence of the green agreement, both central rail and road freight corridors are being enlarged and improved. In this way Denmark is optimising the national infrastructure and preparing it for the coming Fehmarn Belt Bridge, linking Denmark and the European Continent around 2018. By that time a new freight corridor will be opened for rail as well as road transports, in-cluding MVC cargo, representing a tremendous potential in case a joint Euro-pean network for MVC transports is introduced. Moreover, the government considers introducing a green mileage toll with regard for the environment.

The Danish government is determined to secure a modern, efficient and envi-ronmentally correct transport system. The aim is to improve the conditions of the different transport types and their interaction.

Thorough studies based on factual experiences from Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands suggest a number of economic and environmental gains related to MVC transports. For example, in 2002 the Swedish Institute for Transport Re-search published an analysis (Improved Performance of European Long Haul-age Transport by H. Backman & R. Nordström), concluding the following:

• The number of truck transports can be reduced by 32 per cent
• Transport costs can be reduced by 23 per cent
• Fuel consumption and air pollution can be reduced by 15 per cen

ECODRIVING SAVES MONEY

Every motorist knows that heavy-footed driving increases fuel consumption. But how can we save fuel and still move quickly in traffic? And what do more energy efficient driving techniques comprise?

Every motorist knows that heavy-footed driving increases fuel consumption. But how can we save fuel and still move quickly in traffic? And what do more energy efficient driving techniques comprise?

Some types of cars are already fitted with tools that can help energy efficient driving, including gear change indicators and measurement tools that show the actual fuel economy.

The Centre for Green Transport has been allocated DKK 28 million to develop campaigns and courses in energy efficient driving techniques. As a result of these techniques, drivers save money on fuel, reduce CO2 emissions, and also ensure that they simultaneously keep moving. The primary target groups for these measures are cars and lights commercial vehicles.

ENERGY EFFICIENT DRIVING - TIPS

Driving style and speed
The fuel consumption is closely related to the driving style and the difference between “sporty driving” and “ecodriving” is usually 20-30 %. A car that drives 2.5 km/litre during strong acceleration may drive as much as 25 km/litre at constant speed and steady driving. Outside the cities the fuel consumption is mainly determined by the driving speed. A car with a specific fuel consumption of 15 km/l at 70 km/h will drive 12.5 km/l at 90 km/h and only 10 km/h at 110 km/h.

Tyre pressure
The tyre pressure strongly influences both safety, comfort and fuel consumption. If the tyre pressure is 0.5 bar below the recommended pressure, then the fuel consumption will be increased by 2-3 %. Also, the tyres will be subject to excessive wear.

Load and weight
Unnecessary load increases the fuel consumption. For every 100 kg’s of extra weight, the fuel consumption will be increased by 5 % when driving outside cities and even more when driving inside cities.

Roof rack and ski box
A roof rack typically increases fuel consumption by 10 % during mixed driving and by 20 % when driving at 110 km/h. An ordinary roof rack in itself will usually increase fuel consumption by a few per cent. An external bicycle fixture with two cycles increases fuel consumption by approximately 10 %. If placed on the roof, the cycles increase fuel consumption by 20-30 %.

Trailer and caravan
Driving a caravan typically increases fuel consumption by 40-60 % whereas the increase in fuel consumption when driving with an ordinary trailer depends on the size and weight of the trailer.

Short trips and cold starts
A cold engine consumes much more fuel than a warm engine and consequently emits more CO2. Even when the temperature at 20°C, the car will use approximately 70 % more fuel during the first km than when the engine is warm. After 5 kilometres of driving, consumption is still 20 % above normal. When it is cold outside, 0°C, these figures change to 200 % and 60 %.

NEW TAXIS WILL BE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Since September 15, 2009 a new regulation has been in effect requiring taxis to fulfil a sudden level of energy efficiency. This could reduce fuel consumptions with 7 million litres per year.

Since September 15, 2009 a new regulation has been in effect requiring taxis to fulfil a sudden level of energy efficiency.

Based on the well known energy classes for cars the law prescribes the following for taxis:
 

• Taxis designed for max 5 adults: Energy class C 
• Taxis designed for 6-7 adults: Energy class D 
• Taxis designed for 8-9 adults: Energy class F

Below you will find a table showing fuel consumption per class.

Energy classes

Fuel reduction of 7 millions
Today the Danish fleet of taxis consists of 75 % cars designed for 5 adults. Of these only 7 % is in energy class C. Centre for Green Transport has calculated that the fuel reduction will be equal to 7 million litres per year, when the complete fleet meets the new requirements.

Energy labelling has been used for many years in connection with cars