03/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 2 February, the Council adopted, by written procedure, following the agreement with the EP in the conciliation committee on the legislative package to improve working conditions for professional drivers, a regulation establishing driving times, breaks and rest periods for professional drivers, and a directive on checks and sanctions in the event of non-observance of the rules (see EUROPE 9123). Both legislative acts were adopted by qualified majority, the French delegation voting against the directive because of the absence of any direct reference to the directive on road transport working time in force since March 2005.