New Euro PSV proposals
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• Controversial proposals to open up the EEC's passenger transport market to free competition have been drafted in Brussels and are due to go to transport ministers next year.
The first regulation, designed to introduce cabotage on national markets, has not been shown to national governments yet, but there is already strong opposition to the idea.
"Not even the most liberal governments are interested," admitted an EEC official last week.
The second regulation — which is getting a better reception — permits coach operators to compete on the international market.
It maintains the present system of authorisations for regular and shuttle services and control documents for occasional journeys, but some red tape is removed. For example, it will no longer be necessary to supply Customs with lists of passenger names.
The British view is that the proposal does not go far enough if authorisations will still be required.
Another problem causing concern in Britain is to ensure there are proper safety standards.
Both proposals should be European transport ministers by the end of next year.
Cabotage within the road freight transport industry has already been postponed (CM, August 9).