Due to the persistent low water levels, the Saarland region has temporarily lifted the ban on trucking on Sundays and holidays for certain transports. According to the Saarland Ministry of Transport, this exemption is effective immediately this weekend and is set to last no longer than September 30, 2026. The decision was made in close coordination with other federal states and the national government.
The exception allows for transports that are directly or indirectly related to the current low water situation and the consequent replacement traffic. Empty journeys are also permitted under this rule. However, extremely large or heavy-load transport is explicitly excluded from this allowance. The regional transport ministry stated that the goal of this measure is to keep goods flows and supply chains as stable as possible despite the disruptions to the waterways.
This regulatory move comes amid growing concerns about climate change. Heatwaves and droughts are becoming increasingly common and severe due to global warming, a trend that will accelerate so long as greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere through the burning of coal, oil, and gas.
