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TRAIN DRIVER LICENSINGThe European Commission has introduced a directive on the licensing of train drivers. The objectives of the Directive are to facilitate the interoperability of cross border trains, facilitate a more flexible labour market, develop common standards of driver and train crew competence across the EU and increase public confidence in the rail system. The Directive establishes a two tier licence system - a European portion covering general competencies, educational levels, age, mental and physical fitness and language ability which will be recognised across all member states, and a supplementary national certificate covering rolling stock and route knowledge. The text of the Directive was agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers in September 2007 and it became law on 3 December 2007. A copy of this directive can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/rail/package2003/doc/com142-en.pdf. Member States will then have two years to transpose the Directive. National registers must then be developed before a gradual programme of licensing is implemented. The text of the Directive includes a provision for 'domestic' drivers and train crew to be excluded from the requirements of the Directive, subject to a negative cost benefit analysis being developed and submitted to the European Rail Agency by the member state. For more details, please contact Graham Arkwright on 0207 904 7963 |
