European Labour Authority
ELA supported a joint roadside inspection in Belgium today

European Labour Authority supported a joint roadside inspection in Belgium today

Published date

The European Labour Authority (ELA) supported a joint roadside inspection on a high way parking area in Belgium today. The joint inspection focused on controlling drivers of Heavy Duty Vehicles in the context of compliance with the driving and rest time and tachograph rules that have been modernized recently through the adoption of Mobility Package 1. The event was co-organised with ROADPOL (the European Roads Policing Network) and the European Commission (DG MOVE).

Press release

The Executive Director of ELA, Cosmin Boiangiu, participated in the roadside joint inspection and observed the physical controls performed by the Belgian labour inspectors as well as road traffic inspectors from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France. European Commission representatives and ELA Executive Director also talked to drivers and enforcers;

ELA provides the Member States operational support and assistance in preparation, coordination, and follow-up actions. For instance, ELA facilitates communication and exchange of information, organises joint preparatory, operational and follow up meetings and provides financial support (reimburses interpretation, accommodation, travel expenses incurred due to cross border actions). ELA provides also other support, such as translation of case specific documentation or communication material.

Knowing that the drivers’ fatigue is one of the most important factors affecting the road safety, the aim of the check was to detect violations such as exceeded driving times or manipulation of tachograph. Another aim was to exchange information on enforcement good practices between inspectors. It was also an occasion to listen to drivers’ views on the EU road transport rules that they have to comply with.

The Belgian labour/social security inspectors also looked at certain social aspects of road transport legislations, such as driving and rest periods, as well as posting rules.

Road transport is a highly mobile sector. This makes cooperation between Member States crucial. We need to ensure fair working conditions to the drivers and to detect irregularities and fight any abuses. Drivers are considered essential workers in the EU. Still, they often lack clear and easily accessible information about their rights and working conditions. ELA will, as of now, work in close cooperation with our partners, including the European Commission (DG MOVE), enforcement organisations such as RoadPol, and sectoral social partners.

ELA Executive Director, Cosmin Boiangiu said: “ELA has a strong mandate to assist Member States to effectively enforce the rules on road transport across the EU. It is important to ensure adequate working conditions for drivers and fair competition between transport operators. This way, we also promote the driver profession and diminish the risk of future labour shortages in this sector.”