Brussels, 29/06/2010 (Agence Europe) - The Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament (EP) has welcomed the decision by the European Commission to respect the EP vote of 16 June, which ensures the same working-time conditions for all lorry drivers, whether paid employees or self-employed. S&D deputy leader with responsibility for economic and social affairs Stephen Hughes (UK) and the chairwoman of the employment and social affairs committee Pervenche Berès (France) said: “The European Parliament has made it clear now twice that limits on working time and compulsory rest breaks should apply to all lorry drivers without exception. The European Parliament confirmed this again on 16 June in Strasbourg. There is no need to re-open the debate. No new proposal is needed from the Commission. The EU member states must implement the European rules in force. This has been a long-standing battle of the socialist and democrats. It is about having fair and sensible rules and ensuring that EU roads are the safest in the world”. For the debate, see EUROPE 10161. (G.B./transl.rt)