Brussels, 01/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - The rail industry is campaigning against an alternative proposal to the European Railway Agency (ERA) one-stop-shop, currently under discussion in the Council, for certification procedures, as sought by the European Commission in the fourth rail package. This alternative would see national authorities designated as leaders in the coordination and application of safety certification procedures, rather than delegating the powers solely to the ERA. Eight rail associations (CER, UNIFE, ERFA, UIP, EPPTOLA, UIC, UITP and UIRR) argue that this is a counter-productive idea that would mean retention of today's long, complicated and costly procedures. With the Transport Council of 10 October likely to agree a general approach on the rail safety directive as part of the fourth rail package, these associations are calling for the alternative proposal to be rejected. (MD/transl.fl)