Sweden ends dispute, allows big Norwegian trucks to travel on Swedish roads

SWEDEN has agreed to allow Norway's big trucks carrying more than 40 tonnes to travel on Swedish roads without penalties, said Guttorm Tysnes, a spokesman for Norges Lastebileier-Forbund, Norway's trucking association.

"The conflict is now resolved. The alternative would have meant costly investments by trucking firms and independents to upgrade their fleets," said Mr Tysnes.

Trucking groups in Denmark and Finland are also expected to reach separate agreements with Sweden by the end of August to overcome problems that arose when Sweden enforced stricter EU long-trailer tonnage rules in July.

Sweden's Road Traffic Police Department interpreted the ruling as applying to all foreign trucks travelling through Sweden, and police stops were organised to enforce EU regulations governing length and load, which is a maximum of 18.75 metres and 40 tonnes.