CLECAT, which represent European freight forwarders, is pressing the European Commission not to abandon its goal of a liberalised single European transport area.
It called on vice-president of the European Commission, Siim Kallas, to do his best to ensure that the Commission’s policy proposals on cabotage reflect the goals for a single European transport area.
It wants a gradual and flexible opening of the road cabotage market, after the Commission has said that the current cabotage restrictions go against the spirit of a European Single Market, which guarantees the rights of all citizens to work, travel and trade freely.
CLECAT director general, Nicolette van der Jagt, said: “The restrictions to cabotage prevent an optimal matching of transport offer and demand.
“Therefore, and in line with a number of recent studies, a different approach to the “3 in 7” rule should be considered through the removal of the maximum number of cabotage operations (3) allowed in 7 days.
“We are confident that the Commission is in a position to propose measures to ensure greater cooperation and exchange of information between national and international bodies responsible for enforcement of road legislation to ensure better enforcement, she added.
“Further delay on these issues will only delay a more rapid pan-EU harmonisation of the rules governing the sector and the creation of a true Single European Transport Area.”
