Saxony Is Sticking to the Truck Ban Despite Low Water Levels

Unlike several other federal states, Saxony does not intend to generally ease the ban on truck traffic on Sundays and holidays for the time being due to the ongoing low water levels. Exemptions can already be granted on a case-by-case basis for verifiably urgent shipments, the Saxon State Ministry of Infrastructure and Regional Development stated in response to an inquiry.

North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland have already temporarily eased the driving ban due to low water levels. Baden-Württemberg also plans to suspend the ban starting this coming weekend through the end of September.

Freight is being rerouted to road and rail

There is currently no commercial freight shipping taking place on the Upper Elbe. “The persistent low water levels currently allow for hardly any shipping traffic; freight is now largely being transported by rail and road, to which the ports in the region have adapted,” the ministry stated.

Saxony does not, however, consider a general relaxation of the rules to be necessary. The ministry points to the special constitutional protection of Sundays and public holidays and the possibility of special exemptions. “This instrument is targeted and sufficient to respond to specific needs.”

The ministry is not aware of whether more such permits are currently being applied for or granted due to the low water levels. The lower road traffic authorities are responsible for this.

Saxony Open to a Nationwide Solution

Federal Transportation Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) had previously announced immediate measures to maintain supply chains on key waterways. “Should the federal government introduce a nationwide, coordinated, temporary, and proportionate regulation, Saxony will, of course, review it constructively,” the ministry stated.

As early as mid-July, the Saxon Inland Ports of the Upper Elbe had reported that no commercially viable cargo shipping was possible between the Czech Republic and Magdeburg. At that time, they did not expect the situation to improve before September.

Staying Dry for Now

There are no signs of a prolonged period of heavy rain at this time. After temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees at the start of the week, the German Weather Service expects mostly sunny and dry weather from Tuesday through Thursday. Temperatures could reach up to 31 degrees again on Thursday.