Cabotage restrictions to be lifted?

9th June 2014

Cabotage restrictions within the EU should be removed to boost the economy and improve the environment, a report from the European Commission has suggested.

On any given day, almost a quarter of all trucks on Europe’s roads are empty, either on their way home or between loads, according to the report.  Opening national road transport markets to more competition would, it says, help reduce empty runs and increase efficiency in the sector.  However, cabotage restrictions currently prevent hauliers from carrying out any more than three domestic jobs within a seven-day period after delivering an international load. 

In response to the report, the EC vice-president responsible for road transport, Siim Kallas, called for the EU to simplify its rules on road haulage.  “The current rules are wasteful for European companies, and are bad for the environment,” he said.  “We need clear regulations for the industry and at the same time good working conditions for drivers.  I hope the next Commission will continue down this road.”

The report will be forwarded to the European Parliament and Council for further discussion.