CER welcomes the recognition in the Communication that carbon emissions from the transport sector need to be reduced and that energy security needs to be addressed. However, we consider that insufficient weight is given to environmental issues and that too much emphasis is given to technology and the setting of standards as providing the main solutions to the emissions problem. Prices, whilst mentioned in the Communication, are given insufficient weight - they are a key part of the solution to transport emissions. Not only will prices that internalise external costs, under the 'polluter pays principle', change the behaviour of the users of the transport system, they will also lead to wider changes in society that will reduce demand for less sustainable transport modes and encourage innovation in technology and operational practices.
To make real progress, it is essential that emissions targets are established for the transport sector. These need to be very challenging and the Commission needs to develop wide ranging, ambitious and radical plans to meet them.
CER supports the liberalisation of the rail sector but considers that it should be introduced as part of a package of measures including the development of fair competition with other modes and consistency between what the state expects from the railway sector and the finance it provides to pay for the railway sector to meet that expectation. Liberalisation without these other elements has placed some railway undertakings (both incumbents and new entrants) and infrastructure managers, especially those in Central and Eastern Europe, close to bankruptcy.
To make liberalisation work, strong regulators, independent of the State, are required, vested with comparable competencies and powers. However, they should be bound by the principle of proportionality, avoiding undesirable developments in railway markets whilst not impairing the functioning of these markets.
Investment in infrastructure should be designed to promote co-modality, with each mode doing what it does best. To avoid the development of corridor projects surrounded by dilapidated networks, which may eventually be unable to provide feeder and distributor services, EU funding should be contingent on the Member State producing plans for maintaining the whole network at a standard that meets commercial needs and any requirement imposed by the State.
 cer_position paper_sustainable future for transport october 2009.pdf | [ ] | 409 Kb |