Lorries not to be rectangular any more?

The European Commission has launched an initiative to change the shape of lorries, which should reduce both fuel bills and the number of traffic accidents. In financial terms, that will save EUR 5,000 a year in fuel costs for a typical long distance lorry covering 100,000 kilometers.

According to a release issued by the European Commission, the new shape of lorries should also cut CO2 emissions by 7 to 10 percent.

Brussels officials also point out this could save the lives of 300 to 500 pedestrians and cyclists every year.

- A brick is about the least aerodynamic object you can imagine. And so we are going to improve the shape of the lorries on our roads - said European Commissioner for Transport Siim Kallas.