Transport fleet authorised mass and dimensions

The competitiveness of Finland with respect to logistics is improved by increasing the maximum authorised dimensions and mass for heavy goods vehicles and combinations of vehicles.

The maximum authorised height for vehicles has been increased from 4.2 metres to 4.4 metres and the maximum authorised mass from 60 tonnes to 76 tonnes. The regulation entered into force on 1 October 2013. During the five-year transition period, the existing fleet can be used to transport loads that exceed the maximum mass and dimensions set for each vehicle, provided that also the safety requirements corresponding to the increased maximum authorised mass and dimensions are met by the vehicle.

The goal of the reform is to improve Finland’s competitiveness and reduce the gap between transport costs in Finland and Central Europe. Due to the long distances involved, transport costs in Finland are higher compared to many other countries.

According to the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, approximately 1.6–3.2 billion euros could be saved in logistics costs over the next twenty years. It has also been estimated that the reform would help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from traffic by two per cent a year.

Improvements began in 2014

The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, municipalities, ELY Centres, and trade and industry co-operate in evaluating which transport routes are strategically important. Improvements to roads and bridges belonging to the road network maintained by the state began in 2014. The municipalities are responsible for setting their own timeframes, and are free to plan the improvements to streets and bridges at their own pace. Road keepers can use traffic signs to indicate which routes lorries must use.