The European Register of Transport Companies (ERRU) is now active in the Netherlands. Nowever, hauliers can challenge fines administered to them during a one month grace period.
The penalty points system was supposed to apply across the EU in 2013, but due to lack of preparedness from some member states, its EU-wide implementation was put back to 2021.
According to the system, each violation of road transport law carries a certain amount of penalty points. Once a company’s penalty points total crosses a threshold, which is calculated according to the size of the company, it shall be subject to a suspension or even the loss of their licence. The legislation also applies to the transport manager, who can be declared not fit and proper.
The penalty points will remain on the ERRU’s system for 2 years, after which they expire.
The list of offenses that would entail penalty points is listed in EU Regulation 2016/403. It includes violations of rules regarding driving and rest times, tachographs, working time, weight and dimensions, technical controls, speed limits, driver competence, driving licenses, the transport of dangerous goods by road, access to the market, and the transport of animals.
The register came into effect in the Netherlands yesterday.
However, as nieuwsbladtransport.nl reports, the Dutch Transport Department will not actually start registrations until April 1st. A spokesperson said the one-month grace period had been chosen to give companies the opportunity to challenge fines administered before the register became active.
Photo credit: Joyce Mooring