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EU committee backs cabotage revision

29th November 2007
Page 7
Page 7, 29th November 2007 — EU committee backs cabotage revision
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NEW CABOTAGE regulations moved a step closer last week as the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee approved a plan to limit cabotage operations to a maximum of three domesticj ohs within seven days.

Implementation now depends on an agreement being reached between the European Commission (EC),the European Parliament and the newly appointed Slovenian EU President. who takes office in January.

Belgian MEP Mathieu Grosch is rapporteur (sponsor) of plans for common rules for access to the industry, which include the cabotage changes.He says a new regime could he in place by spring 2008: "The vote is likely to be in January."

Grosch adds that his proposal would not the end the matter:"The EC will revisit the situation in 2012 and it is possible there could be full liberalisation from 2014. After all, only 2% of European loads are carried under cabotage."

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) warns says that if a foreign operator has three days' work in seven days it is likely to consist of pre-arranged contracts.

Chris Yarsley, the FTA's European affairs manager, says: "You could have whole fleets coming in.We believe that if there is a market outside that operator's state it should establish a business in that country."

And lie adds that the Department for Transport is known to oppose the proposals because it fears many foreign trucks do not meet UK safety standards.


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