The government aims to transpose the provisions of EU Mobility Package I into national law. To this end, it has submitted the draft of a fourth law amending the Freight Transport Act and the Passenger Transport Act. The bill will be debated by the Bundestag in a first reading on Thursday.
European Community license replaces national permit
At the core of the amendment is the introduction of a unified European Community license. This will in future replace the previously national
permit for commercial freight transport. The license will apply to both cross-border and domestic transports. In addition, it will no longer be required only for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, but from a total weight of 2.5 tonnes.
The Federal Government justifies this step with the new union-law-harmonised provisions on professional and market access in road freight transport. This is to ensure uniform implementation of the European regulations.
Central risk assessment replaces state regulations
A further component of the draft is
the introduction of a central system for risk assessment of transport companies. Until now, the Länder have used their own solutions for this assessment. In the future, a nationwide uniform regulation is to apply.
Additionally, certain certificates and documents may in the future be submitted digitally.
Editorial changes and new authorisations
With the repeal of the national permit in the Freight Transport Act, numerous editorial adjustments are necessary. In addition, the draft provides for clarifications in individual paragraphs. The empowering
bases for further regulations should also be adjusted. Affected are, in particular, the Regulation for the Implementation of the Transport Company File and the Regulation on cross-border freight and cabotage transport.
Impact on the industry
According to the Federal Government, the abolition of the national permit in the Freight Transport Act will entail numerous editorial changes. At the same time, enforcement options for violations are to be improved. The goal is to improve the competitive conditions in freight transport overall.
