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Seminars 2007/08Hundreds of delegates at seminars in London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, The Hague, Valetta and Brussels have endorsed Eurosparks calls for a new directive under the Common Transport Policy provisions within the EC Treaty.During the seminars delegates debated the interim findings of the Eurosparks legal research project, which has identified how law and practice can be better aligned between member states. Eurosparks legal research experts recommended three alternatives: • The new directive • Extending Council Framework Decision 2005/214/JHA, better known as COPEN 24, to cover decriminalised civil offences • Member states forming bilateral or multilateral treaties covering mutual enforcement. Seminar delegates came from diverse backgrounds including EU and national politicians, civil servants, legal academics, local municipalities, transport associations and the media. Each seminar looked in detail at enforcement issues within their own borders and in other member states as well as exploring the solutions recommended by the Eurosparks legal research team. Rome, 8 OctoberDiscussions included the technical details of how contraventions are issued in different member states and the legal difficulties of collecting payment across borders, harmonisation of driving and traffic laws across Europe and difficulties understanding information in foreign driving licenses.Italians embrace Eurosparks recommendations The Hague, 11 OctoberDutch delegates emphasised that a focus only on new legislation would neglect the benefits of bilateral agreements and other practical solutions.Dutch support new legislation and bilateral agreements Berlin, 15 NovemberThe suitability of COPEN 24as an enforcement mechanism was an issue in Germany, delegates were also interested in how other member states had developed interim solutions.Germans interested in safe and non-polluting traffic control Malta, 23 NovemberIn Malta delegates made a number of practical suggestions including on the spot payment of fines, clamping foreign registered vehicles and that people traveling by car should provide their hotel or lodging details, with the fine sent to that address and giving 48 hours to contest the fine in court.Maltese support call for new EU legislation London, 3 DecemberDelegates at the London seminar were concerned about implementation of any new legislation, raising specific issues with number plate recognition, the right to be served a notice of proceedings, the right to a hearing, payment processes, harmonisation of European vehicle registration systems, fine collection management and implementation of the EC Reform Treaty.UK transport industry supports Eurosparks calls for new EU legislation Paris, 18 DecemberIn Paris debate centred around COPEN 24 as an enforcement mechanism for public authorities. Some speakers and delegates, taking a criminal, French-only perspective, felt COPEN 24 was a suitable mechanism for penalty enforcement. Others looked at the wider EU context.French concerned about enforcement against foreign vehicles Brussels, 24 JanuaryEU officials welcome Eurosparks findings during Brussels seminarSpeaker Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP released a press release No Free Ride for Foreign Traffic Offenders on the day of the Brussels seminar. |
Facts & Figures
New on the SiteSPARKS views debated in House of Commons |
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