Parliament gave a final green light to an agreement with EU governments on the update of the EU rules that set an obligatory minimum open market level for the use of goods vehicles (vans or trucks) hired without their drivers.

More options to meet seasonal needs

The new law will ease existing restrictions in place for the hiring of these vehicles from other EU countries. It will allow transport operators, rental and leasing companies to meet short-term, seasonal or temporary demand peaks or to replace defective or damaged vehicles. It will also contribute to the EU’s climate objectives, as hired vehicles tend to be newer, safer and less polluting than the fleet average.

Limited time and number

MEPs ensured in the negotiations that transport companies can use hired vehicles bearing the licence of another EU country for at least two months per year (current rules only allow the use of hired vehicles registered in the same member state as the hiring company). However, EU…