Revision of the Combined Transport Directive 92/106/EEC

Key points

The EESC:

• affirms the need for intermodality in all freight transport, while always bearing in mind the obligation to coordinate and optimise each mode of transport at European level;
• is convinced that establishing an intermodal transport system requires the public to be informed of the advantageous prospects it offers: an intermodal transport system is designed to serve the public, it must influence decisions on transport projects and policies;
• stresses that the success of this policy calls for full compliance with social rules as well as a specific and systematic training policy for company staff and managers;
• calls for the application of this new measure to respect the rest and break periods of HGV drivers. Economic profitability must not adversely affect road safety or the working conditions of drivers in the EU.