29/01/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 January, the European Commission sent a reasoned opinion to the Netherlands for failure to comply with European social rules for lorry and coach drivers. This is the last stage before referral to the Court of Justice. The Commission points out that Directive 2002/15/EC on the organisation of total working time of persons carrying out road transport activities, especially lorry and coach drivers, limits to 48 hours a week the maximum weekly working time duration over a reference period of six months maximum. The Dutch measures transposing this directive allow a maximum average weekly working time of 55 hours. The Dutch law is therefore not in conformity with the requirements of the directive. (G.B./transl.jl)