After three years of negotiations, the European Parliament has given the green light for the introduction of the Mobility Package, meaning that in the coming years the transport sector will have to deal with new European rules on driving and resting times, cabotage and posting.
With the Mobility Package, the European Commission aims, among other things, to combat PO box companies, end systematic cabotage and improve working conditions for drivers in international transport.
Under the new scheme, transport companies must ensure that drivers who drive internationally can return home regularly (depending on the work schedule, every three or four weeks). For the weekly rest time that cannot be spent at home, the company must pay accommodation. This may no longer be spent in the cab.
To record cross-border transport and tackle fraud, the smart tachograph 2 will be introduced. Transport companies must further be able to prove that their operational activities take place mainly in their home country.
TLN has listed all relevant changes. The industry association is happy that after years of negotiations, there is clarity on the changes in regulations, although it does not consider all the changes to be positive. The new rules will be introduced over several years.
The updated driving and rest times will be the first to go into effect, expected in September.
