Access to the international market for coach and bus services. Recast

The Committee on Transport and Tourism adopted the report drawn up by Mathieu GROSCH (EPP-ED, BE), modifying, under the second reading of codecision procedure, the Council common position for adopting a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for access to the international market for coach and bus services (recast). The committee recommended that Members retain the position taken by Parliament at first reading on services in border regions, more efficient cooperation and speedier transmission of information between Member States, the date of application of the Regulation, and the introduction of the 12 day rule on driving times and rest periods.

The main amendments are as follows:

Roadside checks: a new recital states that road side checks should be carried out without discrimination, directly or indirectly, on the grounds of nationality of the road transport operator or the country of establishment of the road transport operator or of registration of the vehicle.

Authorisations: additional vehicles may only be used under the same conditions as set out in the original authorisation. Authorisations may be suspended or withdrawn only if there are exceptional reasons which could not have been foreseen at the time of granting the authorisation.

Sanctioning by Member State of establishment: the committee felt that the Member State should provide a warning before the imposition of administrative penalties.

Communication between Member States on the final decision taken should take place within 6 weeks rather than 2 months.

Border regions: Member States may conclude bilateral and multilateral agreements on the further liberalisation of services, especially in border regions.

12 day rule: the committee wants to reintroduce the 12 day rule. It states that Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 should be amended so that drivers engaged in a single occasional passengers transport service with buses and coaches are allowed to postpone their weekly rest period for up to 12 consecutive 24-hour periods in case they are involved in passenger transport activities that typically do not include continuous and long driving hours. Members felt that the 12 day rule has huge importance for road safety, the needs of the drivers, the operational needs of companies and that it complies better with the average duration if a coach holiday and therefore benefits passengers. The rule should apply from 1 January 2010.