§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent discussions he has had with European colleagues regarding European road and rail haulage and drivers. [90370]
§ Mr. JamiesonDiscussions have taken place on the Commission's proposed Second Railway Package of legislative measures published in January 2002. This package aims to complete the liberalisation of the rail freight market, and to progress technical harmonisation of the EU rail network—including the processes to be followed to ensure the safety competence of train operators' staff.
§ Mr. WrayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proposals there are to reform the EU Working Time Directive for drivers on long distance haulage to cut out dead time and to recast drivers' duties; and if he will make a statement. [90369]
§ Mr. JamiesonThere are two directives that will affect the working time of long distance haulage drivers. The most important is called the "organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities" (2002/15/EC). This is due to be implemented into UK law by 23 March 2005. It will introduce an average 48 hour working week, a limit of 60 hours for a single week and a 10 hour daily limit for night workers. Both sides of industry are being consulted on how this directive should be implemented into UK law and we plan to launch a wider consultation exercise later this year.
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Agency Title/Purpose Driving Standards Agency Design, build, installation and operation of a computer system for the booking of the Practical Driving Test and associated services, and the supply and maintenance of the Agency's IT/IS infrastructure. Highways Agency Consultancy Services Framework for the provision of Human Resources advice and professional services. Consultancy Framework for the provision of construction and design services. Provision of safety engineering professional services. Traffic monitoring services. Framework Agreement for audit and measurement services. Design and supervision of A66 Stainburn to Great Clifton Bypass trunk road contract. The Department of Trade and Industry plan to implement an amending directive (2000/34/EC) to the original working time directive (93/104/EC) later this year. This will extend working time legislation into previously excluded sectors, including transport. Under this directive, all drivers will be entitled to four weeks paid annual leave and night workers will get regular health assessments.