In response to low water levels affecting freight transport, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport, Steffen Bilger, is exploring the possibility of suspending Sunday driving bans for trucks to support the economy.

Steffen Bilger, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport, held an urgent meeting with industry representatives in Bonn to discuss immediate measures aimed at mitigating the impact of low water levels on vital shipping routes such as the Rhine, Danube, and Elbe. Bilger acknowledged the challenging situation, stating, ‘We cannot control the weather, but we can help our economy navigate these tough weeks.’

Among the proposed solutions is a discussion with regional governments about temporarily lifting the Sunday and holiday driving bans for trucks carrying essential goods. Bilger reported that he has already engaged with several state transport ministers, who expressed a willingness to consider these exemptions as long as necessary. He is optimistic about reaching an agreement quickly.

However, the Federal Association of Goods Transport and Logistics has raised concerns about this proposal. According to spokesperson Dirk Engelhardt, lifting the ban could lead to complications for drivers, who would still need to adhere to strict regulations regarding driving and rest periods. Meanwhile, economic analysts warn that the current low water levels could lead to a significant downturn in Germany’s economic growth, reminiscent of the drought year of 2018, when similar conditions resulted in a 0.4% reduction in economic output.