“Ecocombis”, or “VLL” (“longer and heavier vehicles”) can measure up to 25.25 meters long (instead of 18.75 meters for a standard heavy goods vehicle) and have a total mass up to 60 tonnes (compared to 44 tonnes maximum). Already authorized in the Netherlands and in several Scandinavian countries, they should appear on Flemish roads by June 30, 2026 at the latest, if we are to believe the declarations of the Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder. His office specifies, however, that it will do “everything possible to move faster”.
Flanders is the first Belgian region to address the issue, with the implementation of pilot projects in 2015. Until now, transport companies in the north of the country can make two journeys each year with VLLs, subject to compliance with strict conditions. Drivers must in fact be in possession of an additional certificate, in addition to the heavy goods vehicle license, and these vehicles can only travel on defined routes, with few intersections. They also cannot transport live animals or dangerous products.
As for Wallonia, the intention expressed by the Flemish minister will not modify the timetable established by the Region. The pilot phase underway since 2017 continues until September 30, 2025, with an annual evaluation. “The Flemish decision will not speed things up, but we will be attentive to the experience in the north of the country,” underlines Thomas Fyon, spokesperson for Walloon Minister of Mobility François Desquesnes (Les Engagés).
