A proposal to change regulations on driving and rest periods for coach drivers has been accepted by the European commission.
The International Coach Tourism Federation, or RDA, said it appreciated the proposal, and Sandra van de Walle, head of the RDA office in Brussels, said the new proposal will initially provide for a more flexible handling of rest periods.
From now on, it shall be possible within a period of four weeks to take two shortened rest periods per week and the remaining rest periods at the end of the four week period. This means that there will not be a shortened rest period.
The proposal is part of a first package of the road traffic initiative which was passed by the European Commission. Furthermore, this first part includes proposals to revise the Euro-vignette Directive, European toll system, improve access to EU road transport, usage of rented vehicles in international traffic, improved implementation of social legislation and posting of workers as well as a revision of the tachograph directive.
Benedikt Esser, RDA-President, noted: “We really appreciate this European Commission proposal. Coach operators will be able to respond better to customer demands and to adapt their offers accordingly without impairing road safety.
“The improved driving and rest periods will help coach drivers to use their breaks more flexibly and to spend their weekly rest periods at home with their families. We hope that the European Parliament and the European Council will support the proposal.”
