The abolition in 2007 of the original 12 day derogation and its subsequent reinstatement in a very limited form in 2009, was part of a long term process of searching for the best rules’ model for European bus and coach travel. This process continues today.
The new proposals simplify procedures for the post-derogation rest periods. Under the present rules drivers must take an extended 4 day rest period immediately following the use of the derogation that includes the lost rest days that would have been taken during the derogation. The new rules allow for two standard rest days to be taken with the remaining two missed rest days taken within the following 160 hours. This will give the industry the greater flexibility it needs to serve its customers.
“Our battle for a customer and industry-friendly 12-day derogation, is not just a symbolic one: it is a matter of survival for thousands of small tourism destinations and companies across Europe. We want European institutions to give us the appropriate legal framework to properly serve our customers, whilst naturally strictly guaranteeing road safety”, Mr Mannaerts concluded.
More on the 12-day derogation
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