THE European Shippers' Council (ESC) has welcomed the European Commission's white paper to cut transport emissions by "at least 60 per cent" of 1990 levels by 2050, but rejects its implied war on trucking in favour of rail.The ESC said it would oppose measures to force freight from one mode of transport to another - as typically is happening in what has become a worldwide anti-truck campaign.
"If we recognise these to be aspirations, achievable only if other alternatives become viable economically and practical, then we can support the aspiration. But we will never support any attempt to force a modal shift," said ESC secretary general Nicolette van der Jagt.
The ESC, representing 100,000 freight companies, said the EC initiative would involve investment in new technology, removal of cabotage restrictions, and ensuring effective and non-discriminatory access to rail infrastructure through unbundling.
Truck efficiency should be encouraged with a comprehensive rule on vehicle weights and dimensions with express mail service (EMS) vehicles allowed to operate more widely in and throughout Europe, said the ESC.
ESC has always maintained that putting a charge on one section of transport infrastructure users - ie, those carrying freight as reflected in the current Eurovignette proposal, and not on the private users of infrastructure, would not encourage more efficient use of infrastructure.
Transport security will become more pressing despite passing mention in the paper, said Ms Van der Jagt, adding that any transport proposal needs to be reviewed with a focus on the sectors of housing, agriculture and industry which affect transport demand.
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