Federal Transport Minister Steffen Bilger (CDU) is considering lifting the ban on truck traffic on Sundays and holidays due to extremely low water levels on the Rhine. Bilger told the newspaper “Bild” that if transport on the Rhine waterways were to completely halt, authorities would need to determine how to switch to roads or rail. In the specific context of responding to the low water levels, lifting the Sunday and holiday truck ban is one option being considered. The Minister further noted that the government is also discussing possibilities involving the railway, looking into ways to utilize rail transport as an alternative to the waterways.
The CDU politician described the situation as “really challenging.” While there are currently no supply shortfalls, he warned, “The danger is definitely looming.” Bilger mentioned that people are becoming accustomed to low water situations, but he expressed concern that this event is occurring so early in the season.
Regarding immediate action, the Minister has invited representatives from businesses and logistics associations to a crisis meeting in Bonn scheduled for Thursday, where short-term countermeasures are expected to be discussed.
Looking ahead to the long-term consequences of the drought, Bilger advocated for extending the infrastructure of the waterways and establishing funding programs dedicated to inland shipping. “Climate change is happening,” he stated. “We must become accustomed to the fact that situations like this will occur more frequently.”
