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EC security plan is designed to cut red tape
Page 16
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THE EUROPEAN Commission is proposing new voluntary rules to improve the protection of freight transport against terrorist attacks. It says companies that join up would gain from "enhanced security standing in their relations with commercial partners, including insurance companies."
In effect, commercial freight operators who bring their security up to minimum European standards would be granted 'secure operator' status from their national authorities for a renewable three-year period.
This would entitle them to fasttrack treatment at security checks both inside the EU and at external borders, saving time and improving connections with other forms of transport such as sea and air traffic where there are already strict anti-terrorism regulations To achieve secure operator status, operators will have to: • Implement a security-management system • Ensure resources are available to counter security risks • Meet standards on the protection of buildings, access control, personnel and security procedures.
The EC notes "growing demands for transport security from shippers concerned about their own brand security". It says its plan takes into account the impossibility of all-embracing security measures for the half a million companies involved.
It sets -a flexible framework of minimum requirements which can gradually evolve with technology and risk developments".
The proposal needs approval by the European Parliament and EU Council of Ministers; a procedure for granting secure operator status should be in place within 18 months of the regulation being adopted.