Transport: A63 restricted and new tachograph fines
Wildfires in south-western France continue to restrict travel along the A63 corridor between France and Spain, while rail freight services on the Bordeaux–Bayonne–Spain route have been suspended. At the same time, inspections in Poland are already enforcing new tachograph obligations for vans, and the Netherlands has introduced 500 EUR fines for violating the ban on the A27 bridge.
Prepared by the CargoNice editorial team with AI support, based on the sources listed and CargoNice's own market data. Machine translation of the Polish original. Editorial policy · Read the Polish original
A63: wildfires restrict the France–Spain corridor
Wildfires in south-western France continue to cause restrictions on the A63 south of Bordeaux. This is one of the key road routes for freight traffic between France and Spain, so the disruption directly affects haulage on the Atlantic route to the Iberian Peninsula. Source: Trans.INFO
Long-distance traffic is being diverted via the A62, A65 and A64, including through Langon and Pau. The suspension of rail freight services on the Bordeaux–Bayonne–Spain route is putting additional pressure on road transport. According to market reports, the closure of the A63 in the south–north direction has caused a build-up of trucks in the Bayonne area. Source: The Loadstar
First impact of the new tachographs for vans in Poland
The Road Transport Inspection fined the driver of a Romanian carrier whose van was carrying out a transport operation from Poland to Romania. An inspection of the tachograph data showed 16 hrs 37 min of driving without properly ending the daily driving period, 6 hrs 40 min of driving without the required break, and an insufficient daily rest period. Source: Trans.INFO
Administrative proceedings have also been initiated against the carrier and the transport manager. From 1 July 2026, vehicles with a GVW above 2.5 t used for international haulage or cabotage are subject to tachograph, driving time, break and rest period requirements.
Ukraine: priority access in eCherha for AEO, T1 and TIR
Ukraine is testing priority handling for certain types of transport in the eCherha electronic border queue system. From 17 July 2026, carriers with AEO status and journeys covered by a T1 transit declaration or a TIR carnet may receive priority. Source: Trans.INFO
Under the test model, five non-priority vehicles are processed after every three priority vehicles. The highest priority is given to perishable loads if the transport operation also meets the condition qualifying it for simplification. Eligibility is to be verified automatically through links to government and customs systems.
New Ukrainian rules on rest periods and tachographs
From 26 July 2026, stricter rules on drivers’ working time and rest periods apply in Ukraine. A regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hrs must be taken outside the cab, and the carrier is responsible for the accommodation costs. The limit for night work is 10 hrs. Source: Trans.INFO
New vehicles used for international freight transport are to be equipped with G2V2 smart tachographs, while the period of data available for inspection has been extended to 56 days. The changes coincide with a European Commission study on the impact of the EU–Ukraine agreement on the market; the current agreement remains in force until 31 March 2027.
Netherlands: 500 EUR fine for using the A27 Merwedebrug
Rijkswaterstaat is actively enforcing a ban on trucks and coaches crossing the Merwedebrug bridge on the A27 near Gorinchem. The restriction has been in force since 18 July 2026, and inspections began on 25 July 2026 following the installation of ANPR cameras and signage. Source: Trans.INFO
A vehicle identified while crossing the bridge may receive a 500 EUR fine, plus administrative costs. The ban was introduced due to concerns about the condition of the bridge structure and applies in both directions.
S7 towards Gdańsk: disruptions from 30 July to mid-September
Roadworks on the S7 between the Rączki and Waplewo interchanges will begin on 30 July 2026, affecting the carriageway towards Gdańsk. Temporary traffic management is to be introduced on 29 July 2026; initially, traffic will use one lane, while at a later stage both directions will be moved onto a single carriageway. Source: Trans.INFO
The works are expected to continue until mid-September 2026. The restrictions will affect the main Warsaw–Tricity route during the period of increased holiday traffic.
Condition of Polish carriers: a counterparty risk signal
According to estimates cited by the West Pomeranian Association of Road Carriers, more than 1 200 Polish transport companies may have ceased operations in the first half of 2026. The industry points to rising fuel and labour costs, rigid freight rates and geopolitical disruptions as sources of pressure on margins. Source: Trans.INFO
ZMPD data separately shows a decline of more than 800 in the number of companies holding a Community licence in the first quarter of 2026. However, the decrease in licences and the number of companies that have closed are not the same indicator.