The European Parliament today adopted its position on road transport ahead of the Commission’s forthcoming proposals for the Mobility Package on the 31 May. The Socialists and Democrats had led the drive to create a European Road Transport Agency, to reject further liberalisation of cabotage* and tackle social dumping. Following today's vote in the European Parliament, the S&D Group calls on Commissioner Bulc to take on board their proposals to ensure a more balanced Mobility Package.

Ismail Ertug MEP, S&D spokesperson on transport, said:

“Our message to the Commission is clear: we say no to any further liberalisation of the transport market.  The transport sector is by definition transnational. Only European solutions and proper harmonised enforcement can tackle the problems we are facing in the transport sector.

“We urge the Commission and member states to create a European Road Transport Agency, even though this proposal was rejected by the conservative-liberal majority in the European Parliament, it is urgently needed to address existing failures in the transport market. Only a European agency will be able to ensure open access to the single market by creating a level playing field for all players and forcefully tackle social dumping.

“The Socialists and Democrats call on the Commission to crack down on 'letterbox companies' to stop the exploitation of drivers and tax evasion. Working and resting times should be checked more thoroughly. Weekly rest provisions must not be changed and the weekly rest should be taken away from the vehicle. Exhausted drivers on the road can endanger lives.”

*Cabotage means the national carriage of goods for hire or reward carried out by non-resident hauliers on a temporary basis in a host member state.