Source: European Parliament
The Commission is firmly committed to strengthening the enforcement of existing EU road transport rules, which are still applied unevenly across Member States.
While the Commission does not foresee introducing new legislation, it is considering a dedicated initiative on enforcement in the road transport sector structured around two key pillars: digitalisation and harmonised enforcement.
Moreover, the Commission will continue to support the Member States in implementing current rules, including the provisions on joint liability of all actors across the road transport supply chain, such as consignors, freight forwarders, shippers, tour operators, principal contractors, subcontractors, and driver employment agencies.
The Commission’s goal is to ensure that contracts and transport schedules are agreed in full compliance with EU legislation, as stipulated in Regulation (EC) No 561/2006[1] and Directive 2006/22/EC[2].
In addition, the Commission will continue to actively support the Member States in conducting joint inspections and concerted checks, in particular under the coordination of the European Labour Authority, to strengthen cross-border cooperation and ensure effective and harmonised enforcement of EU rules in the road transport sector, including those related to occupational safety and health, by pooling and sharing national practices, expertise and resources.
In parallel, the Commission is undertaking efforts to harmonise enforcement practices across the EU through updated guidelines and guidance notes, to ensure consistent enforcement and aligned inspection methodologies, thus reducing discrepancies and fostering a level playing field for transport operators in all Member States.
- [1] Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 1).
- [2] Directive 2006/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on minimum conditions for the implementation of Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 and (EU) No 165/2014 and Directive 2002/15/EC as regards social legislation relating to road transport activities, and repealing Council Directive 88/599/EEC (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, p. 35).