International entry fees to rise by 500%
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by David Harris and Martial Tardy • The European Commission plans to increase the financial assets required to become an international haulier by 500%, to Ecul5,000 (£12,500) per vehicle.
Under current rules, which date back to a 1989 European directive, international operators need to show they have Ecu3000 per vehicle in order to get an international licence. One European Commission official says: "One can easily get a bank loan of Ecu3,000 but if you need a guarantee for Ecul0,000 or Ecti15,000 the bank will think twice."
The Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association both welcome the move, which is intended to reduce overcapacity and to protect creditors from bankruptcies, although the FTA would prefer the increase to be adopted in stages. "We support anything which would improve standards in the industry, but a 500% increase is rather steep all at once," says the FTA.
EU member states will be able to exclude domestic hauliers from the requirements, but UK Licensing Authorities generally use the Ecu3,000 requirement as a guideline when granting domestic as well as international licences. Even operators seem willing to accept the new measures, although some would like to see enforcement improved at the same time.
Dover-based international bulk haulage specialist Mike Beer says: "We would fully support the increase, but they will have to find some way of policing it properly. At the moment all you have to do is show a bank statement and, frankly, the money could go out of the account the next day."
Further details of the new proposals are expected by the end of the year. After publication of a consultation document it will be considered by the EL; Council of Transport Ministers.