The European road transport industry is entering a transformative phase with the ongoing implementation of the EU Mobility Package. This key set of regulations, introduced in August 2020, is designed to streamline the industry, improve driver working conditions, and enhance road safety. [1]
While the UK has now exited the EU, it’s crucial to note that any drivers working for UK companies and operating within Europe must comply with the changes set out in the EU Mobility Package.
As we approach the final stages of implementation, let’s explore what changes 2024 brings and how they impact transport companies, drivers and the logistics sector as a whole.
The EU Mobility Package: What Is It?
The EU Mobility Package is a comprehensive set of regulations established by the European Union to improve the road transport sector. It focuses on four key areas:
- Regulating drive working and rest times
- Fair competition rules
- Delegation of employees
- Tachograph usage requirements
The ultimate goal is to improve working conditions for drivers while fostering transparency and equal opportunities across the transport industry. However, adapting to these changes has required significant adjustments from businesses and drivers alike.
Who Does the Mobility Package Apply To?
The regulations target a broad spectrum of entities involved in road transport, including:
- Carries: Companies transporting goods or passengers by road
- Professional Drivers: Individuals operating in international or domestic transport
- Logistics and Forwarding Companies: Organisations managing supply chain and transport logistics
Whether operation large fleets or smaller enterprises, The Mobility Package impacts daily operations, compliance, and planning.
Mobility Package in 2024: Key Changes
As the industry moves closer to more complete compliance, 2024 brings a series of changes that require attention before the 31st December 2024 deadline:
1. Latest Tachographs Installed before the end of 2024, all newly registered vehicles must be equipped with second-generation smart tachographs (Smart Tacho 2). These devices now automatically record national border crossings using satellite systems.
2. Expanded Licencing Requirements
3. Introduced in May 2022, Operator Licence regulations were extended to enterprises using vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) over 2.5 tons. This change affected smaller operators, particularly in the SME sector. Requiring them to align with the new standards. For further information please visit Transport goods in Europe in vans or car and trailers - GOV.UK
4. Complete Compliance Monitoring the scope of roadside checks is increasing from 28 to 56 days, allowing inspectors to review driver activity over a longer period to ensure adherence to working and rest time rules.
5. New Rest and Working Time Rules - Drivers must be given the opportunity to return to their home or company base at least once every four weeks. Carriers are responsible for planning routes that allow compliance with these rest time regulations.
Annotating Tachograph Printouts
The tachograph printout is an essential document in the transport industry, used to verify compliance with drivers’ working and rest time regulations. The Mobility Package introduces new requirements in this area, particularly when a driver opts to extend their driving time
- Documenting Extended Driving Time - If drivers extend their driving time by one or two hours to reach a base or residence, this must be manually annotated on the tachograph printout before beginning the daily rest.
- Compensating for Extended Driving Time - Any extended driving time must be offset by additional rest. Drivers must document when and how this compensation is taken, ensuring compliance with Mobility Package requirements.
- Unintentional Exceedances - Unforeseen circumstances, such as tragic delays or adverse weather, may lead to unintentional exceedance of permitted driving time. In such cases, drivers must clearly annotate the reason for the exceedance on the tachograph.
The Impact on Driver Confidence and Road Safety
By ensuring consistent compliance with rest and driving time rules, the Mobility Package fosters safer road conditions and improves driver well-being. Tachograph updates and streamlined procedures reduce the administrative burden, giving transport companies greater control over operations.
A Safer, Smarter Future
The changes outlined above represent a pivotal step towards a fairer, safer, and more transparent transport industry. However, compliance requires vigilance and adaptability, and the right tools to manage the complexities of these regulations.
At FleetCheck, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our comprehensive fleet management solutions are designed to help businesses navigate fleet regulations with confidence.
Get in touch with us today to see how we can help your fleet remain compliant and most importantly, safe.
[1] Mobility package | European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
