The German Government plans to empower lorry inspectors to use road toll data to detect cabotage and other road freight violations from October. The plans were announced by Udo Schiefner MP during the virtual Transport Logistic trade fair organised by the Federal Association of Freight Transport, Logistics and Waste Disposal (Bundesverbandes Güterkraftverkehr, Logistik und Entsorgung – BGL).
According to transport newspaper Deutsche Verkehrs-Zeitung, Dirk Engelhardt, board spokesman for the BGL, was delighted with the news:
„We very much hope that this will be decided,” he said. „It would be a step in the right direction.”
By using road toll data, BAG inspectors would be able to find out when a lorry enters Germany and when it is leaves. With this knowledge, it would be easier to assume whether illegal cabotage operations have been carried out and if drivers’ hours’ regulations have been respected.
The law is to be dealt with in the cabinet on May 12 and presented to the Bundestag on May 20. If it was accepted, it could come into force on 1st October.
Mobility Package is the right direction
During the discussion, BAG President Andreas Marquardt expressed his approval of the introduction of the Mobility Package, saying it is a step in the right direction, but there is still a lot to do regarding transport policy, inspectors and the industry.
Ha also added that controls had been significantly reduced in recent years due to political requirements. But, now, after the mobility package has been adopted, things are going in the other direction, the DVZ quotes Marquardt. The BAG is currently reorganizing itself accordingly.
Photo credit @ Tollcollect