Swedish Presidency commits to action on transport

Item Added 17 September 2009

Sweden committed to finding solutions to EU transport issues says Minister for Communications Asa Torstensson

Intelligent transport systems, passenger rights, competitive freight transport and development of transport after 2010 are priorities for the incoming Swedish Presidency.

In her first appearance before the European Parliament transport and tourism committee, on 2 September, Sweden’s transport representative Asa Torstensson said that her government was committed to finding solutions to alleviate various issues including:

• An 18-month programme for a competitive, safe and intelligent transport system (ITS)
• Development of EU transport after 2010
• Passenger rights on buses and ships
• Developing effective corridors to relieve roadways and so create a competitive freight transport system.

During her appearance Ms Torstensson was challenged about Sweden’s determination to make progress on cross border enforcement and fine collection by Belgian MEP Said El Khadraoui and Spanish MEP Inés Ayala Sender. Ms Sender is the European Parliament rapporteur for the proposed cross border enforcement road safety directive.

In response Ms Torstensson said that it was important for all member states to support proposals and resolve the continuing problem with the legal basis for the proposed directive. In her view “when the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, if it comes into force, this will be solved”.