The Government outlined its position on the Commission's proposal for flexibility in driving and rest times for occasional bus services
The Government has submitted a Union communication to Parliament concerning the proposed amendments to the EU Driving Times, Breaks and Rest Periods Regulation. The proposals are related to special rules for driving and rest periods for occasional passenger transport drivers. In most cases, occasional passenger transport means chartered transport by bus or coach.
The European Commission submitted a proposal to amend the Driving Times, Breaks and Rest Periods Regulation at the end of May 2023. The aim of the proposal is to ensure efficient and high-quality occasional coach transport services for passengers and to improve the working conditions of drivers by reducing stress and fatigue.
The purpose of the Commission's proposal is to allow for a more flexible distribution of breaks and rest periods for drivers and to guarantee equal treatment of international and domestic occasional coach services.
As a rule, Government finds the Commission's proposals for the driving times, breaks and rest periods of occasional coach transport acceptable. However, the Government has preliminary reservations about the proposal to divide daily breaks of drivers.
The Government considers it important to find a balance between the working conditions of drivers and the flexibility of the journeys in the further consideration of the proposed amendment.
At the same time, the Government emphasises that road safety, the working conditions of drivers and the prerequisites for supervision must be adequately taken into account in further processing.
What's next?
The Commission proposal will continue to be discussed in the EU Council Working Party on Land Transport during July 2023 under the auspices of the new Spanish Presidency.
Inquiries:
Veli-Matti Syrjänen, Senior Adviser, veli-matti.syrjanen(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342124
Elisa Vornanen, Senior Specialist, elisa.vornanen(at)gov.fi, tel. +358 295 342054
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