Road transport: Driving times, breaks, rest periods, tachographs and posting of drivers

Briefing 21-11-2017

This note seeks to provide an initial analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the European Commission's Impact Assessment (IA) accompanying the above proposals, submitted on 31 May 2017 and referred to Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism. The aim of the proposals is to improve the application of social legislation in road transport, also including sector-specific rules for posting of workers, to facilitate fair competition between operators and enhance drivers' social conditions. The proposals form part of the 'Europe on the move' package, which is a broader review of the road transport legislation of the European Union. The transport package is one of the priorities of the European Commission. The proposals, which are part of the Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance (REFIT) programme, aim to contribute to the Commission's social agenda and the European Pillar of Social Rights. In its resolutions, the European Parliament has called for improved implementation of social legislation in the road transport sector, enhanced road safety, adapted posting provisions for transport workers, and called for measures to counter unfair competition and social dumping.