Road transport: harmonization of social legislation (implem. regul. 3820/85/EEC). 1991-1992 report

The Committee expressed its deep concern on the disturbing number of coach an lorry accidents cause by human errors. Taking into account that these accidents often are the consequence of extreme fatigue, it firmly criticised the social legislation in this sector. With Mr Marcel SCHLECHTER (PES, L) reporting, the Committee asked for better controls on driving times and the resources available to be doubled. To prevent unfair competition in the transport sector in the member states, all aspects of drivers' professional activities must be covered by EU social law. The Committee also adopted an amendment, calling for the number of working days to be checked to be made uniform, with a target of a fixed level of 2%. Financial and other penalties should have a deterrent effect and should therefore be sufficiently severe. The weight of these penalties and the number of checks still vary from one member state to another and do not only distort competition, but also create administrative and judicial insecurity; rapporteur SCHLECHTER said. He welcomed the introduction of inviolable electronic tachographs. �