6.5.2015 Official Journal of the European Union L 115/1 (Legislative acts) DIRECTIVES DIRECTIVE (EU) 2015/719 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 29 April 2015 amending Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 91 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments, Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee (), After consulting the Committee of the Regions, Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure (%), Whereas: (1)  The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO,) emissions, to improve road safety, to adapt the relevant legislation to technological developments and changing market needs and to facilitate intermodal transport operations, while ensuring undistorted competition and protecting the road infrastructure, must be emphasised. (2)  Technological developments make it possible to attach retractable or foldable acrodynamic devices to the rear of vehicles. However, to do so would result in the maximum lengths permitted under Council Directive 96/53/EC () being exceeded. A derogation from the maximum lengths is therefore necessary. This Directive aims to allow the installation of such devices as soon as the necessary amendments to the technical requirements for type approval of the aerodynamic devices are transposed or applied and the Commission has adopted implementing acts laying down the operational rules for the use of such devices. (3)  Improved aerodynamics of the cabs of motor vehicles would allow significant gains in respect of the energy performance of vehicles, possibly in conjunction with retractable or foldable aerodynamic devices attached to the () 0JC327,12.11.2013,p. 133 () Position of the European Parliament of 15 April 2014 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and position of the Council at first reading of 16 October 2014 (O] C 40, 5.2.2015, p. 1). Position of the European Parliament of 10 March 2015 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of 20 April 2015. Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic (O] L 235, 17.9.1996, p. 59). -