Brussels, 22/05/2013 (Agence Europe) - CLECAT, the European association of freight, transport, logistics and customs services, has called on MEPs, who will be having their first debates next week in committee, for the various aspects of the fourth European rail package to be dealt with as a unified whole. CLECAT wants the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament “to support the fourth railway package as an integrated and holistic approach to revitalising rail freight without delay”, said CLECAT Director General Nicolette van der Jagt.
CLECAT's members welcome the package because it “closes gaps left by the previous three packages and finalises the arduous way towards a single European railway area”, explains van der Jagt, adding: “To save time and costs, trains and rolling stock should be built to a single standard and certified once to run everywhere in Europe. However, a technical approach only will not do the job. On market governance, it is very clear that in order to provide fair and transparent access to the tracks, the two functions of managing the track and running the trains should be kept separate. CLECAT supports the extension of the infrastructure manager's functions to development, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure and the requirement relating to the independence of the infrastructure manager. CLECAT has, however, reservations regarding the possibility for member states to maintain vertically integrated structures and is of the opinion that separation remains the best way to enhance equal access to infrastructure, as it provides for a simple, clear and transparent basis for a single market for rail services”. (MD/transl.fl)