Updates to EU trucking rules have been signed off by members of the European Parliament without the proposed amendments. A number of central and eastern European countries had been pushing for amendments to the reform package, but their pleas have been rejected.
Political agreement had been reached between Parliament and the Council in December 2019, but before it could become part of EU law it required endorsement from Parliament. That has now happened, with the three acts being passed and the amendments rejected.
The reforms focus on creating fair competition between operators, as well as improving road safety and driver’s working conditions.
The talks, which have lasted three years, have highlighted a significant divide between Europe’s eastern and western countries.
The three acts that made it through were: posting of drivers (passed 469 votes to 218), cabotage (513 to 174); and driving time (524 to 162).
