IRU members have agreed on new positions to tackle driver shortages, decarbonise realistically, and give coach drivers’ rest time rules suited to their responsibilities.
Following IRU’s special anniversary event last week celebrating 50 years of permanent representation to the EU, the organisation’s EU passenger and goods transport members updated the sector’s positions on CO₂ emissions, driver shortages, and coach drivers’ rest time rules.
Reducing CO₂ emissions
IRU members agreed on industry-wide recommendations to improve the European Commission’s proposal to amend EU rules on CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles, which has been on the legislators’ table since mid-February 2023.
Tackling driver shortages
IRU members reconfirmed their position on the EU Driving Licence Directive, which could contribute considerably to addressing driver shortages in commercial road goods and passenger transport.
One of IRU’s main calls is to lower the minimum driving age, which is essential to attracting a large pool of school-leavers to the profession.
The industry is also pushing politicians to create an EU mechanism to recognise and exchange third-country drivers’ professional driving licences and certificates for professional competence (CPC).
More information is available via the IRU webpage or this news post. ESC is also supporting the IRU call for action regarding the treatment of drivers at delivery sites.