Road transport: harmonisation of social legislation, driving times, breaks and rest periods for drivers

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Helmut MARKOV (EUL/NGL, Germany) and made several amendments to he Commission's proposal. (Please refer to the document dated 05/11/02.) The following amendments were also made: - the definition of "reduced weekly rest period" is any uninterrupted period of rest of less than 45 hours which may be shortened to a minimum of 36 consecutive hours if taken at the place where the vehicle is based or in the drivers place of residence or to a minimum of 24 consecutive hours if taken outside those places. Long-distance drivers may tale compensation within three weeks; - for the first hour of multi-manning, the presence of another driver is optional but for the remainder of the period it is compulsory; - the minimum age of drivers is 18 for vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes. For other vehicles, the minimum age is 21 or 18 if he holds the relevant certificate. The minimum age for drivers carrying passengers is 21. If such a driver is carrying passengers for a distance of more than 50 miles, he must fulfil, in addition, one of several prescribed conditions; - within every 24 hour period, a driver must take a daily rest period of at least 12 consecutive hours which may, not more than three times a week, be shortened to not less than 9 consecutive hours; - a weekly rest period that falls in two weeks may be counted in either week but not in both; - a driver taking a reduced weekly rest period must take an additional period of rest corresponding to the difference between 45 hours and the length of the reduced weekly rest taken. This additional period of rest must conform to certain conditions; - a new clause states that the minimum number of checks to be carried out in the Member States will be set at not less than 2% of the total number of days worked; - the Commission must submit proposals by 31 December 2006 on the national interpretation and application of the provisions of the Regulation - the Commission must also submit proposals on adjusting Directive 88/559/EEC and Regulation 3281/85/EEC (both as amended by Regulation 2135/98/EC) on roadside checks.�