Yesterday in Brussels a group of hauliers representing the new generation in road transport from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany and France highlighted the need for more consistent and better enforcement of the Mobility Package rules in Europe.
On 18-19 November the network of Young Entrepreneurs in Road Transport from BGL, FNTR and NLA came to Brussels to meet with decision makers from the European Parliament and the European Commission.
Ensuring that the driver returns home every third or fourth week and enforcing the ban on taking the long weekly rest in the cabin is essential for having level playing field and fair transport in Europe the Young Entrepreneurs stated. This also applies to cross trade transport and cabotage operations. The rules are in place and implemented. Now it is up to EU Member States to make sure they are giving the proper resources to enforce them was the message from the young generation.
The Young Entrepreneurs also met with the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) to discuss the green transition of the road transport sector and the switch to zero emission vehicles. First and foremost, the business model must make sense for small and medium-sized road transport to invest in zero emission vehicles. To this end focus in the next five years is needed to ensure capacity of the energy grid and stable supply the group pointed out.
Specifically, the focus should be on providing electricity to the public charging stations, the charging facilities at the customers terminals and road transport companies home charging facilities. One concrete avenue would be to reinvestment CO2 revenues generated by the road freight sector to promote investments in the green transition of the transport sector.
Finally, the group discussed the pressing challenge of shortage of drivers in Europe and the need to increase the attractiveness of the profession. The Young Entrepreneurs called for more safe and secure parking areas that are well maintained and have proper sanitary facilities improving the quality of the daily life for drivers in Europe.
The Young Entrepreneurs stand ready to continue the dialogue with EU decision makers to ensure a fair and sustainable road transport industry for future generations in Europe.
