EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN)

Election of Chair and Vice-Chairs

At the TRAN constitutive meeting of 23 July 2024, Members elected Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI (EPP, EL), as Chair for two and a half years.

“Digital co-driver” pilot project for lorries in Germany

Special navigation devices make large and heavy goods transport easier.

Transporting heavy or large loads is complicated. Lorry drivers are only allowed to drive on special roads, […]

Minimum breaks and rest periods in occasional road passenger transport [Regulation (EU) 2024/1258]

Driver fatigue, characterized by poor steering control, decreased reaction time, poor speed tracking, and loss of attention, is a significant risk factor that endangers drivers, passengers, and other road users. […]

MEPs back updates to EU rules on driving licences to improve road safety

Mobile driving licences, self-assessment of fitness to drive and better awareness of pedestrians are some of the changes to EU driving licence rules by MEPs on Wednesday (28 February 2024) .

Ultra-long mega trucks on EU roads

Germany’s transport minister wants to increase the number of permitted routes in the EU.

What are the pros and cons of mega trucks?

Stoneridge SE5000 transitional smart 2 tachograph error message

Stoneridge SE5000 transitional smart 2 tachograph error message

Some Stoneridge SE5000 transitional smart 2 tachograph devices are wrongly displaying and recording an error message

‘Hardware sabotage’ or ‘GNSS Anomaly’ will be displayed on the screen and an event will be recorded in the tachograph […]

EPDA Announcement Feb 2024

EPDA Announcement Feb 2024

The European Professional Drivers Association (EPDA) are pleased to announce that the Irish Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Minister Jack Chambers, will be the keynote speaker at the EPDA hosted International FitDrive workshop on the 17th of April in Dublin. […]

Touring bus drivers’ breaks: EU Parliament voted to start talks with EU Council

On Tuesday (12 Dec 2023), European Parliament adopted its position on the review of EU rules on driving and resting times for drivers, to serve the specific needs of occasional passenger transport sector.

Update of EU driving licence rules to improve road safety

Update of EU driving licence rules to improve road safety

07 December 2023

• Mandatory health checks on issuance and renewal of driving licence
• Minimum two year probationary period for novice drivers
• Update of drivers skills to be better prepared for real driving situations
• Driving licences to be uploaded on smartphones

The Transport Committee backed new EU driving licence rules to improve road safety and embrace the digital transition, including updated validity limits and mandatory health checks.

Tour bus drivers to get more break and rest options

Gigaliners – in contradiction to the goals of the Green Deal

A current draft directive by the EU Commission aims to put more extra-long and extra-heavy lorries on the road in the EU. The consequence would probably be a further shift of freight transport from rail to road. This would not only run counter to the goals of the Green Deal, but also jeopardise road safety. At the same time, the investment needed to adapt and repair the infrastructure would be enormous. Gigaliners also represent a deterioration from the workers’ perspective, as they would further increase the pressure on drivers. This is shown in a new position paper of AK EUROPA.

Ireland – Speed Limit Review

The Department of Transport has published the long awaited Speed Limit Review, which aims to address the fragmentation and inconsistency of speed limits on roads all over the country.

Road closure adds to Gotthard transport woes

The Gotthard road tunnel has been closed in both directions since Sunday afternoon due to a crack in the tunnel ceiling.

open for bookings – Irish National Professional Drivers Championship 2023

  open for bookings

Irish National Professional Drivers Championship 2023

where your performance can showcase your talent and skill

The Irish National Professional Drivers Championship 2023 will take place on September 9th at the Circle K Kilcullen Service Area. Book your time slot now.

Road Transport: Commission proposes to adapt rules on driving and rest times for drivers of occasional bus and coach services

EU Commission proposes to adapt rules on driving and rest times for drivers of occasional bus and coach services

The European Commission proposed to adopt EU rules on breaks and rest periods for drivers to better reflect the nature of occasional bus and coach services. Drivers in this sector have a different work rhythm than freight or regular passenger transport due to high seasonality and varying driving distances depending on passengers’ tourist activities.

KRONE Trusted Tyre Comfort: Powered by Germany

In summer 2023, KRONE will introduce the new tyre generation “KRONE Trusted Tyre Comfort” (KT231). The new trailer tyre with 5 t load capacity features a robust base, a reinforced carcass and a widened tread.

Scania interim report January-​June 2023

 Scania interim report January-​June 2023 – Scanina delivered 23,824 vehicles, 22562 trucks, and 1,262 buses and coaches.

More fair play in the transport and logistics sector – An end to social dumping on the German and EU roads

More fair play in the transport and logistics sector – An end to social dumping on the German and EU roads.

Put an end to social dumping, increase penalties for violations, allow driving at 17, reduce bureaucracy in driving licences – how Germany’s Traffic Light coalition groups want to strengthen the transport and logistics sector.

What must happen now?

EU Commission proposes updated for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement

European Commission proposes updated requirements for driving licences and better cross-border enforcement of road traffic rules

1 March 2023

The European Commission today presented proposals to modernise driving licence rules, including the introduction of a digital driving licence valid throughout the EU, and new provisions to facilitate the enforcement of traffic rules across borders. More than 20,000 lives were lost on EU roads last year and the majority of victims were pedestrians, cyclists and users of scooters and motorbikes.

Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championships Awards Ceremony 2022

Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championships Awards Ceremony 2022

It was held at the Wynns Hotel in Dublin (6th August). All Professional Driver’s competed in the Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championship 2022 were first-time competitors.

Well done to all Professional Drivers who competed in the event, and thank you to the EPDA Irish Professional Drivers Championship Organizing Comment for their hard work to make this event happen.

Thank you to all our sponsors. It goes without saying that without you, it would not have been possible to do to hold the Irish Professional Driver’s Skill and ECO Driving Championship.

The Results

Picture Gallery ECO 

Picture Gallery Skill

Awards Ceremony

Irish National Professional Drivers Championship 2023

Irish Professional Driver’s Championships 2022 – Results are out now

Results for the ECO Diving, Skill Test Coach, Skill Test Van, Skill Test 7.5t, Skill Test Rigid, Skill Test Artic

The Results = Picture Gallery ECO = Picture Gallery Skill = Awards Ceremony

Give it a Go – Irish Professional Driver Championship

The Irish Professional Driver Championships take place on the 16th and 17th of July in the Circle K Motorway Service Area in Kilcullen Co. Kildare.

There are two competitions taking place and some drivers will be eligible to partake in both.

The aim of the Championship is to promote the skills of our professional drivers. You will only know how good you really are by competing against your peers.

To Book Your Place Call or WhatsApp 087 429 7021

For more information follow the link  https://epda.ie/team-ireland-pro…ing-championship/

Owner Driver fined almost €2,000 for washing HGV during weekend rest

An Owner Driver has been left almost €2,000 out of pocket after police officers in Norway determined his weekend visits to a truck wash were a violation of drivers’ hour rules.

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) becomes mandatory in Europe

Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) becomes mandatory in Europe

By 2024, the automatic hand or parking brake on commercial vehicles will be mandatory in Europe. This should greatly reduce the number of accidents with rolling vehicles.

EU standards for safe and secure parking areas for trucks

Notice to Professional Drivers

One initiative has been published or updated on the European Commission’s ‘Have your say’ portal:  Safe & Secure Truck Parking Areas

DVSA enforcement sanctions policy – UP-DATE 01/02/2022

DVSA enforcement sanctions policy – UP-DATE 01/02/2022

DVSA is aware of a minority of operators who are deliberately attempting to conceal their number plates from identification.

To help us better protect people from unsafe drivers and vehicles, we changed how we enforce deliberate number plate tampering from 1 February 2022 […]

Changes at the EU border crossing for the professional drivers’ from February 2nd 2022

Changes for the professional drivers’ from February 2nd 2022, the border crossings must be documented on the tachograph.

After crossing the border, the driver must enter the symbol or the country name at the next possible stop at or after the border and not, as was previously the case, manually enter it in the tachograph at the delivery location.

Bus and coach drivers – EU rules on driving and rest times

HAVE YOUR SAT – Bus and coach drivers – EU rules on driving and rest times

The EU rules on driving time, breaks and rest periods apply equally to lorry drivers and bus and coach drivers. However, these rules are not always suitable for passenger transport.

This initiative aims to address the specific needs of bus and coach drivers in organising their working time.

The Commission would like to hear your views.

Volvo Trucks – New unique safety feature for Volvo’s electric trucks

Volvo Trucks launches a new, patented safety feature for electric trucks – Active Grip Control. The new technology significantly improves stability, acceleration and braking in slippery conditions.

Temporary derogation from driving and resting time rules due to driver shortage caused by the COVID-19 Omicron variant

The Road Safety Authority (RSA) and the Department of Transport have agreed to allow a temporary and urgent derogation in respect of certain provisions of the EU driving and resting time rules.

Coming into effect: The derogation will apply retrospectively from 9th January 2022 up to 30th January 2022 and will be reviewed every week as regards application and scope.

Scania introduces world class versatile hybrid trucks

Scania is introducing Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) trucks that can be fitted with different powertrain and charging options, thus offering solutions that can fulfil various demands for applications such as refrigerated transports, concrete mixers and regional distribution. The truly new electric machine GE281 works in tandem with a Scania seven or nine-litre combustion engine, providing unique opportunities for creating fossil-free transport solutions for heavy trucks with demanding bodywork.

DAF XF / XG / XG + is International Truck of the Year 2022!

The new truck range from DAF Trucks, the XF, the XG and the XG+, is the International Truck of the Year 2022. The prestigious award was presented to Harry Wolters, president of DAF Trucks, at a gala evening at the Solutrans trade fair in Lyon on Wednesday (17th Nov 2021) evening.

There is No Driver Shortage

There is No Shortage of Professional HGV Drivers.

There is an absence of a professional road transport culture and a lack of understanding of what the role of today’s HGV driver is. There is a miss understanding that Haulage Associations represent the interests of professional drivers, their primary focus is on representing the interests of business operators. There is a misunderstanding that Government Road safety Enforcement Agencies only exist to impede business and to collect taxes.

Life on the road with people smugglers, fuel thieves and few toilets

LONDON, Sept 27 (Reuters) – For Tom Reddy, it was the disgusting conditions that convinced him to quit as a British trucker, with few toilets and even fewer showers forcing drivers into desperate solutions at the side of the road.

Austro bus drivers pay a fine of € 23,000 and lost of DCPC in Croatia

The Croatian Ministry of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure has imposed a fine of 172,400 HRK – around € 23,000 – for the VSI infringements, and a two-year ban to acquire a new required professional driver qualification for Truck and Bus

Mercedes-Benz Trucks to usher in a new era: World premiere of the eActros on June 30

On June 30, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will celebrate the world premiere of its battery-powered eActros for heavy-duty distribution. With the presentation of the first series-produced electric truck bearing the star logo, Mercedes-Benz Trucks will usher in a new era and underscore its commitment to locally CO2-neutral road transport.

Dash cams complement – but don’t replace – the human element

Dashcams don’t lie. But dash cams also don’t tell the whole truth.

Eyesight is better than a dashcam, however, eyesight isn’t always translated properly to memory.

Fleet policies, tech needed to fight smartphone ‘addiction’

If you’re behind the wheel and reading this article on your smartphone, put it down. The news can wait.

For the time NO 32 METER LONG TRUCKS in the Netherlands

The Netherlands have stopped their plans for the time being to use 32-meter-long and up to 72-ton trucks for test drives between Rotterdam and Venlo on public roads this year

Volvo Group and Daimler Truck AG launch of new joint venture cellcentric

Gothenburg, Sweden / Stuttgart, Germany – Today, two leaders of the commercial vehicle industry – Daimler Truck AG and Volvo Group – officially outlined their pioneering roadmap for the new fuel-cell joint venture cellcentric […]

Daimler Trucks begins rigorous testing of its fuel-cell truck

Stuttgart – Daimler Trucks is focusing on hydrogen-powered fuel-cells for the electrification of its vehicles for flexible and demanding long-haul transport. It aims to achieve ranges of up to 1,000 kilometres and more without any stops for refuelling.

Germany – Fines Discount For Eastern European Haulier And Their Drivers

Germany – Fines Discount For Eastern European Haulier And Their Drivers

In the case of fines, drivers of Eastern European haulage companies apparently receive large discounts, and the German Driver Associations demand a course of correction.

Eastern European none professional truck drivers receive up to 50 percent discount on fines for excessive driving times or other violations, according to the industry association Camion Pro in Germany. Association head by Andreas Mossyrsch said: “That amounts to a subsidy for white-collar crime companies in Eastern Europe.”

Minister announces Public Consultation on Ireland’s First Ten-Year Strategy for the Haulage Sector

The Department of Transport are opening a public consultation process and would like to hear the views and opinions of industry stakeholders and individuals in the road transport sector. The aim of the consultation process is to assist the Government develop a 10 year strategic plan for the road haulage sector.

Truck driver reveals truth about how professional drivers are treated on Europe’s borders

A driver recounts how drivers are treated on the Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina border during Coronavirus:

The picture he paints is a dreary one: Our driver arrives at the border only to have the keys to his vehicle and documents taken away. It’s announced to him that he’s being sent into a 14-day quarantine. A quarantine that is entirely based on an assumption – he tells us that no tests to check for COVID-19 were carried out at the time.

Gorey Motorway Service Area (Circle K) free COVID-19 antigen test in Ireland

Circle K Gorey facilitate the State who are providing Free mandatory COVID testing for any commercial driver travelling from Ireland to France.

Commercial vehicle drivers travelling from Ireland to France must have evidence of a negative COVID-19 test from 28 January 2021.

Circle K Service area in Gorey are facilitating a State-supported antigen testing facility so hauliers can be tested before they travel.

Professional drivers going to France will need negative Covid-19 test from 28 Jan 2021 (Thursday)

Professional drivers going to France will need negative Covid-19 test from 28 Jan 2021 (Thursday)

This follows a decision by the French government to introduce a mandatory Covid-19 requirement for all hauliers carrying goods on direct ferry routes from Ireland to France.

Have your say – EU driving licence rules – Evaluation

The Commission will carry out an evaluation of Directive 2006/126/EC on driving licences, which introduced a standard format for all driving licences issued in the EU and standardised administrative validity periods.

RSA Update for Driver CPC Training 31 Dec 2020

RSA Update for Driver CPC Training 31 Dec 2020

Although the country is moving to Level 5 the RSA’s position has not changed in relation to the delivery of Driver CPC Training.

DCPC training is deemed to be an essential service, therefore, those drivers wishing to attend for their training are permitted to do so, even if travelling outside their own jurisdiction.

Circle K Park Ri Kells

Circle K opens brand new service station with parking for Trucks and Buses just off the M3, N3 and N52 Park Ri Kells in Kells Meath – A82 E7F3 – Refuel Relax Refresh

Bulgaria to challenge EU mobility package reforms in court

Bulgaria’s government said Wednesday (21 October) it would challenge in court parts of a major EU-wide reform agreed earlier this year aimed at improving road hauliers’ work conditions.

UICR Professional Driver World Champiosnship 2020

Today it’s a pleasant 28 degrees in Zagreb.

If only they didn’t cancel the World Professional Driver Championships, Team Ireland would be making their final adjustments to their world title challenge.

Professional Driver World Championship

Storm Francis Warning

Rescue/Emergency Lane is also MANDATORY in Belgium

Until now, there was no law in Belgium that road users must make room for ambulances in the event of traffic jams on multi-lane roads. This is will change from October.

EU Amend Driver Rest Rules & Conditions

Parliament backs revised rules to improve drivers’ working conditions, an end to social dumping and stop unfair competition in the road transport sector.

EU Press Conference Announces New Rules to Protect Drivers and Road Transport Business

Turn Assist System for All Trucks

Turn Assist System for All Trucks – Continental Makes Roads Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists

UK – HGV Road User Levy suspended to help hauliers during pandemic

The Treasury has suspended the HGV Road User Levy for a year to help hauliers recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The 12-month suspension,

UK, how driving in flip flops could land you a £5,000 fine, NINE penalty points

While driving in flip flops isn’t illegal in itself, wearing them could lead to a careless driving charge if they impede your ability to drive safely.

Common rulebook on automated driving gets go-ahead

More than 50 countries, including Japan, South Korea and the EU member states, have agreed on common regulations for vehicles that can take over some driving functions, including having a mandatory black box, the UN announced Thursday, June 25th 2020

Automobile assembly and production plants in Europe

298 automobile assembly and engine production plants operate in Europe today, according to freshly-updated data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Cars, vans, trucks, buses and engines are manufactured at these factories, 196 of which are situated within the European Union (EU27).

Health and Safety at Garda Checkpoints – COVID-19

An Garda Síochána wish to thank the professional drivers on their continued co-operation and support during the COVID-19 crisis. However, there is a safety concern over the movement of these essential goods across the country as the Government restrictions continue.

Professional Drivers fall victim to COVID-19

Professional Drivers fall victim to COVID-19

UICR (Union Internationale des Chauffeurs Routiers) had to postpone the Professional Driver World Championship 2020 by 12 months due to the COVID-19

Amendments to Drivers Rest Periods Agreed

04/08/2020    (Reuters) – European Union countries adopted new rules for truck drivers’

In for the Long Haul

04/08/2020 Circle K Demonstrate their commitment and recognition of the work of the country’s professional HGV drivers.

All NDLS centres are currently closed

04/06/2020

All National Driver Licence Service centres in the Republic of Ireland are currently closed.

Please see latest on closures and extension of validity of licences.

UK Driver CPC Changes

Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: changes to professional driver requirements in the UK.

Circle K Professional Driver Services

Circle K have provided a list of their company owned service stations which are providing 24/7 cover for professional drivers.

Update on the acceptance of double-manning in the European Union – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The European Union Update on the acceptance of double-manning in the EU – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Specific rules are applied in France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal where a social distance of 1 meter must be respected.

Important notice on Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) During Covid-19 Out break

Due to the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 crisis, professional bus and truck drivers may encounter some difficulty in undertaking their annual CPC training at the current time.

Drivers can help to stop the spread of viruses with this simple technique

You can help to stop the spread of the covid-19 virus by washing your hands properly.

Coronavirus: Commission presents practical guidance to ensure continuous flow of goods across EU via green lanes

Today, the Commission issued new practical advice on how to implement its Guidelines for border management, in order to keep freight moving across the EU during the current pandemic.

Updated situation in France – Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – an updated situation in France

The French Government has issued a map to inform truck drivers on the service stations which are open and which offer essential services (such as sanitary facilities and take away restaurants). This map also gives information on which vehicle technical centres are open.

Source: AFTRI

EU Green Lanes – EU Internal Border Crossing

EU 15-minute fast track lanes for trucks at borders

To unblock Europe’s main arteries, the EU Commission created EU Green Lanes (fast lanes) for commercial vehicles carrying all types of goods and passengers.

Supporting Professional Drivers

Is it time to call the for support for the recognition of the role of the professional driver. Are professional drivers the invisible front line workers.

COVID-19: Drivers in the road transport industry need concrete action from the EU

In view of the ongoing crisis and its effect on drivers in the road transport industry, and the lack of response to their dire situation in the communication of yesterday’s Council of Transport Ministers meeting, the ETF has addressed a statement to the Commissioner for Transport, Adina-Ioana Vălean in which the ETF urges the European Commission and the Member States to adopt an emergency action plan for truck drivers before our drivers fall subject to a humanitarian and health crisis in Europe.

Caffeine May Cause Sleepiness In Truck Drivers

Truck drivers are vulnerable to driver sleepiness due to pressures of shift work and prolonged driving hours; this is a safety concern as sleepiness more than doubles crash risk. Excessive intake of caffeine can cause sleep disruption leading to driver fatigue.

Department of Transport Letter of Temporary Derogation on Drivers Hours

The temporary relaxation of EU driving and resting time rules due to COVID-19.  An official letter from the department of transport.

Relaxation of Drivers Hours

Drivers Hours regulations have been temporally relaxed in a number of EU States.

Current Relaxation Periods as of the 18th March 2020

Ireland 18th March to 16th April 2020
Bulgaria 19th March to 13th April 2020
Romania 18th March to 16th April 2020
Sweden 16th March to 14th April 2020
Denmark 13th March to 22nd March 2020

Drivers Beware of CBD Oils

CBD oils can have traces of psychoactive THC, which may cause a driver to test positive for drugs at a roadside check. Professional drivers need to understand the consequences of taking any form of dietary supplement.

Covid-19 Commission Guidelines

EU Commission Guidelines on Covid-19 of interest to Professional drivers

Professional Drivers…. Your Country Needs You

Professional Drivers must take care of their health. At this particular time, all countries need to have trucks supplying essential supplies to hospitals, supermarkets and factories.

UICR Meeting Switzerland

The UICR are an active body working to support the role of the professional driver. At a recent meeting in Switzerland they confirmed the support of the Professional drivers Register.

World Professional Championships Croatia 2020

EPDA Driver Register

Driver Register Gets Green Light at UICR Strategic Meeting in Switzerland.

The Mobility Package is Not yet Adopted or Agreed

The Ministers of Transport of the 28 Member States (the “Council of Ministers”) and the European Parliament have each reached their own positions on changes to the mobility package. In December 2019 they will get together again to start negotiating the final deal.