Brussels, 29/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - It is very likely the Commission will not present the “road package”, as it had intimated, and which should have been presented this summer. Nonetheless, the Commission still intends to put forward proposals on road pricing, but the question of cabotage liberalisation seems to have been put off indefinitely. At any rate, neither of the initiatives is expected to be presented at the same time as part of a “package”.
Road charges. When it comes to charging for the use of roads, proposals could be made by the end of the year, a source familiar with the dossier states. All the same, time is running out until the end of the term of office of European Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas. Consequently, Kallas may have to reduce the level of his ambitions in this respect. Although, in May (see EUROPE 10847), there was still talk of a draft directive or regulation, it is now more likely to be guidelines in order to better mark out the use of tolls or vignettes by member states for private vehicles such as passenger cars, motorcycles and light vans (heavy vans coming under the Eurovignette directive). Without imposing the use of road charges on member states, those envisaging this option could implement it on their territory, in a way that is harmonised in Europe. According to another source, however, the idea now being floated at the Commission is that of giving priority to charges based on distance, such as tolls, rather than on time, such as vignettes. Over a year ago, the Commission published a communication confirming this preference, giving a clearer definition of the use of vignettes (which are current practice in seven European countries) in order to avoid differentiated usage (see EUROPE 10640).
Cabotage. On the other hand, when it comes to cabotage, nothing could be less clear. In September, the European commissioner did not conceal (see EUROPE 10922) his desire to simplify and to better apply existing rules on this, while still saying there would be proposals by the end of the year. It would appear, however, that the Commission is struggling to come up with these proposals. The trade unions and the hauliers, as well as MEPs, are highly sensitive about the question of liberalising the road transport market. The French, Italian, Belgian, Danish and Austrian delegations are reticent about this, which means the Commission must show caution. As there is little time before the end of the legislature, it cannot be ruled out that the subject will be carried over till the next Commission. (MD/transl.jl)