Although in Spain it is a practically non-existent concept, it appears that the EU wants to do away with commercial diesel fuel and discounts on fuel used by haulage contractors. When will it finally disappear?
The EU proposes the urgent elimination of any aid or discount on diesel used by transport professionals. It has recently provided more detail about this proposal and postponed the final elimination of commercial diesel fuel on road transport until 2023.
I use the Spanish motorways network a lot and have noticed that sometimes when there is a doubt or problem at motorway entrances or exits, occasionally staff do not inform properly and the contractor needs to be contacted directly. What are the customer service numbers for Abertis Autopistas?
At Abertis Autopistas we strive each day to offer you the best service and ensure that your trips are as comfortable and safe as possible. If you need any information about our products or have any other transport query, all Abertis Autopistas users can call the customer service centre (902 200 320 / 93 492 7827) 24 hours a day. You can also write to us if you wish at: autopistas@autopistas.com.
I have a small courier and magazine delivery firm and have had to pass tough requirements to operate legally (inspections, transport card, training...). Is it true that a regulation is being prepared that will completely liberalise the sector?
Amadeo Vázquez (La Rioja)
The new Land Transport Management Act (LOTT) currently going through Spanish parliament will not be ratified before next summer. Indeed, the bill submitted for approval includes the practical liberalisation of the light transport subsector, with no requirement for entering it. However, the process has not finished yet, so there is nothing final.
We haulage contractors have a big problem with slow payment. Was a rule not going to be introduced to prevent this problem which is ruining us?
The Spanish government has adopted in Spain, through Royal Decree 4/2013, the European Directive on slow payment and payments in business operations. The regulation establishes a maximum period for payment of 30 calendar days, which can be extended up to 60 through joint agreement of the parties. The appropriate surcharge will be added to delayed payments which is the official interest rate plus eight points.
We are currently forced to take the AP-7. Can you indicate what discounts will be applied for professional haulage contractors?
A. Palacios (Tarragona)
From 19 April 2013 there will be a discount on the toll between the Maçanet and La Jonquera section for vehicles with 4 axles or more, if your route passes between these two points (35% discount) or if your route starts and finishes at these two points or anywhere in between (50% discount). Click here for more information: http://www.autopistas.com/profesionales/bonificaciones-en-la-provincia-de-girona/var/lang/es/idm/1543
I have applied for early retirement as a haulage contractor, but have heard that this year the amounts have been greatly reduced. Can you tell me what level of aid is envisaged for 2013?
Indeed, the total amount allocated for this has been considerably reduced, down to a budget of 11 million euros. The individual aid for each haulage contractor will not be reduced, although there is a limit on the minimum age for requesting it which is now 63 years old.
Is it true that in France a project has been launched for hands-free driving or for a truck head to drive for you? Will it be introduced in Spain?
The EU has launched the SARTRE project for automated driving on motorways. These are tests which aim to reduce CO2 emissions and accident rates. Abertis Autopistas is involved in this project and has already carried out tests in Spain. There is more information about this on our website.
Self-employed drivers now have to work as if we were salaried drivers, so we are losing a lot of flexibility. By how much is our work time reduced exactly?
According to the new regulations, the average working week must not exceed 48 hours, although it may be extended up to 60 hours provided the average duration does not exceed 48 hours a week over a period of four calendar months. What's more, self-employed drivers that do night work cannot work more than a 10 hour day over a period of 24 consecutive hours.
It appears the government has approved a European Directive on late payment. Does that finally mean that bad debtors who ruin haulage contractors will be pursued?
Indeed, the government has adopted a European Directive on late payments embodied in Royal Decree Law 4/2013 of 22 February. Among other measures, it specifies that in the event of late payment (30 days or 60 by agreement) the payment of interest can be demanded under the law. However, no penalty scheme or specific persecution measures have been stipulated for late payment cases.
I have heard that the new Traffic Regulations will limit truck speeds. Will that measure also affect intercity buses?
The DGT has made some amendments to the current Traffic Regulations, which includes the proposal to reduce the maximum speed for trucks and vans on B-roads to 70 km/h. This regulation would not affect coaches, which would be allowed a maximum speed of 80 km/h, or camper vans of up to 3.5 tons which would have a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
I have bought three second-hand vehicles in France which have Actia tachographs. Besides being difficult to use, I'm not sure they are officially improved in Spain. Will I have any problem in the roadworthiness test?
Officially approved tachographs in Europe are Siemens, Stoneridge and Actia, so there shouldn't be any problems. You can always visit the website of the Ministry of Public Works www.fomento.gob.es, which details all the legislation on official approval. Regarding the tachograph's working, we recommend you visit on that same website the section on Digital Tachographs, where you will find a complete interactive manual on this device.
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