Enforcement of road transport rules must be a top priority for the EU after elections

Story from the IRU.

In light of the European elections, IRU and ETF – the EU social partners for Road Transport – call on the European Commission and Parliament to put enforcement at the top of the EU transport agenda for the next legislative term.

Enforcement is the mechanism by which authorities ensure that rules are being followed and applied. In mobile services like road transport, it can be difficult for inspectors to keep track of activity, but the digitalisation of enforcement will be a game changer. New technologies will make it easier to ensure a fair and efficient implementation of the European rules applicable to commercial road transport operators and drivers, which could offer a better functioning EU road transport and logistics market. Through digitalisation and the use of widely interoperable data platforms and risk-rating systems, enforcement could better target threats and risks and therefore become more efficient. 

Matthias Maedge, who is leading IRU’s activities in the EU, said, “Many EU laws and rules for road transport are undergoing important updates under the Mobility Package initiatives and enforcement must not lag behind. Electronic transport documents, including eCMR, or the European Register of Road Transport Undertakings are pivotal stepping stones towards modern enforcement but much more needs to be done. We need the commitment of the European institutions to make sure that innovative technologies are put to use for the benefit of a well-functioning and law-compliant commercial road transport market in the EU.”

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