Plans to drop cabotage restrictions abandoned By Chris Tindal' THE
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EUROPEAN Commission (EC) has backed down on plans to remove all cabotage restrictions next year amid concerns it would prove too complex and disruptive.
Following lobbying from UK and European freight associations, a spokeswoman said on behalf of Sinn KaIlas, vice-president of the EC: "It is clear that cabotage rules must evolve over the long term, but it needs to be done properly and in consultation with all stakeholders.
"That process is complex and it takes time — making it difficult to deal with this issue in the lifetime of this commission."
She added: "In the short term, what will be possible is to improve enforcement of the rules, including the social aspects, and to make the market function better to the benefit both of those working in the sector and the overall EU economy, which vitally depends on efficient transport services."
Karen Dee, Freight Transport Association (FTA) director of policy, said it could not support further liberalisation of the market until action was taken to address unfair com petitive disadvantages faced by UK operators.
"The statement issued by commissioner Kailas last week that the commission's focus — at least in the short term — will be on improving the enforcement of the current regulations is welcome," she said. "Nevertheless, the FTA will continue to lobby for the delivery of a level playing field for UK operators."
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) said the removal of the current rules that limit international haulage operators to three journeys within a seven-day period would disrupt established markets. Policy director Jack Semple said: "We don't think having drivers from all over Europe spending long periods in other markets is particularly good for the image of the haulage industry."