Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2002-01-16-Speech-3-234"
| Predicate | Value (sorted: default) |
|---|---|
| rdf:type | |
| dcterms:Date | |
| dcterms:Is Part Of | |
| dcterms:Language | |
| lpv:document identification number |
"en.20020116.16.3-234"2
|
| lpv:hasSubsequent | |
| lpv:speaker | |
| lpv:spokenAs | |
| lpv:translated text |
".
Mr President, the proposed regulation introducing a driver attestation requires all drivers in the employ of transport companies within the European Union to carry a standardised document. As a result, it would be a simple matter for inspectorates across the EU to verify whether the relevant driver is employed correctly, that is to say in accordance with current, national social legislation rules. At the moment, such inspection is difficult to implement outside national borders due to varying regulations and documents.
Parliament has backed this initiative at first reading. It was noted, however, that this proposal could not be expected to be a universal remedy. After all, there are also bilateral, international and ECMT licences, by means of which drivers from outside the European Union can legally work in a certain way in the European Union. For a number of businesses, the dividing line between the legal and illegal deployment of these drivers does not seem clear enough. Consequently, this proposal only applies to drivers who are employed by EU businesses and who drive lorries from these businesses.
However, Parliament was of the opinion at first reading that the proposal should be subject to a phased introduction for non-EU drivers and EU drivers on account of the administrative measures which Member States would be required to take. With this, Parliament demonstrated that it had an insight into the situation in the sector, where non-EU drivers form the key problem, at least judging from the number of complaints about these practices. This is why Parliament has opted for a two-year delay before the regulation enters into force for EU drivers. In addition, Parliament was of the opinion that the data to be included in the attestation should also comprise the driver’s licence number and social security number. In its common position, the Council has shown widespread endorsement of Parliament’s views. It recognises the issues described and deems the attestation at least to be a constructive element in solving existing distortions of competition in international road transport. Of Parliament’s amendments, the Council has only directly adopted the amendment on the inclusion of the driver’s licence number and social security number. The amendments on a phased introduction for non-EU and EU drivers have not been directly adopted by the Council. The Council does accept a phased introduction but does not yet wish to establish the ultimate date on which, based on data currently available, the proposal becomes effective for drivers from the European Union. The proposal should not enter into force for EU drivers until it transpires that this would actually add value, based on an assessment of the regulation in force at the time. In addition, the Council has given an interpretation of the inspection percentage (20%) of the number of attestations issued.
As rapporteur, I have to conclude that the positions of the Council and Parliament are not miles apart. Both recognise the nub and urgency of the problem: non-EU drivers. This is the group, therefore, that should come under this regulation as soon as possible. Both the Council and Parliament agree on this. As far as EU drivers are concerned, I should like to note that – on the basis of data available – the situation is far less urgent. The evaluation established by the Council seems to be a useful tool for bringing more data to light. However, I am of the opinion that it is very desirable to settle on an end date for this evaluation. This is why I am very impressed with Commissioner de Palacio’s written pledge to the Committee on Regional Policy, Transport and Tourism to commission the relevant evaluation within three years. I trust that she will orally confirm this assurance during this sitting.
All in all, I think that Parliament can be satisfied with the text that is now before us. I would therefore like to recommend that, together with the Commissioner’s pledge, it be adopted without any amendments .
I should like to finish off with a remark about the report by Mr Grosch. I endorse the report, but it is vital that the candidates be adequately tested after each training course and that daily practice be included in continuous training. If we prescribe that it is on the basis of national standards that each driver must be trained, this will promote so-called ‘student tourism’, which is exactly what we want to avoid."@en1
|
Named graphs describing this resource:
The resource appears as object in 2 triples