On Wednesday 1 February, as part of its “Better regulation” (REFIT programme) initiative, the European Commission proposed another revision of the directive on the initial qualification and periodic training for road drivers (directive 2003/59/EC).
Transport Commissioner, Violeta Bulc, explained that, “new impetus is needed if we are going to attain the European objective of halving the number of fatalities on the road by 2020”. The Commission therefore wants to modernise driver training by emphasising the protection of the most vulnerable users, optimising petrol consumption and enhancing recognition of qualifications between member states.
The Commission proposals are based on an ex post assessment of the directive carried out in 2014. This assessment demonstrated that drivers are experiencing great difficulties in obtaining recognition for their training. The assessment particularly identifies certain shortcomings in the content of the training proposed and the needs of drivers, such as the impossibility of combining professional driver training with other training courses on hazardous materials, passenger rights or animal well-being. The lack of clarity involving the use of information technologies in training courses is also highlighted. The study targeted many different legal uncertainties, such as inconsistencies regarding minimum age requirements in the above-mentioned directive and the directive on driving licences (2006/126,CE).
The question of quality training and its corollary, mutual recognition between member states, is crucial for the road sector. The Commission points out in its proposal that around 33% of all journeys by heavy goods vehicles within the EU cross borders, a figure that has been constantly increasing over recent years.
Many initiatives in sight. The Commission is expected to present a range of initiatives this year that target the road sector: the eurovignette and the EETS (European Electronic Toll Service) in May, market access for buses and coaches, in the autumn. It is also hoping to present an initiative to respond to “social dumping” in the road sector which is a source of apprehension for the member states (see other article) and the unions (see EUROPE 11713). (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)