No youth experiment at the wheel of 40-ton trucks
Trade union vida welcomes Hanke's veto against EU plans.
Minimum Truck Age
Road safety must have priority: vida warns against EU push to lower the minimum age for trucks to 17 years
The trade union vida welcomes the clear no by Transport Minister Peter Hanke to the EU Commission's plans to allow the driving of trucks from the age of 17 in the future. In Austria, there is currently a minimum age of 21 years for the C driving licence - and it should stay that way.
Transport Minister Hanke is thus opposing a dangerous course of the EU, which, from the point of view of the trade union vida, has come about under pressure from the freight lobby.
"Road safety must not be sacrificed for profit. Young people have no place behind the wheel of a 40-ton truck!"
EU plans completely out of touch with reality – L17 model for trucks is a mistake
With the so-called "L17 model", the EU wants to enable accompanied driving for heavy goods vehicles as well – following the example of the passenger car sector. What sounds reasonable on paper is simply irresponsible in practice, according to Hebenstreit: "Who is supposed to provide all these escorts when there is already a massive shortage of personnel?"
"Who is supposed to provide all these escorts when there is already a massive shortage of personnel?"
In addition, trucks are not normal vehicles: long braking distances, large blind spots and enormous vehicle masses require the highest level of attention, experience and responsibility – not youthful recklessness. The idea that novice drivers at the age of 17 drive through narrow villages, past kindergartens and schools, is unrealistic and highly dangerous.
Fighting the cause instead of postponing symptoms: Upgrading the profession instead of lowering the age limit
The trade union vida is calling for the focus to be placed on real solutions to the shortage of drivers. Instead of questionable relaxations, we need:
- Fair pay
- Regulated working hours
- Modern working conditions
- Social protection for drivers
"Anyone who sends young people onto the motorway in excessively long shifts has not understood the problem. We need better jobs, not younger drivers!" said Hebenstreit.
vida calls for a clear no from all political forces
The trade union vida appeals to the Austrian federal government and all parties to follow Hanke's example and clearly reject the EU initiative. Only through attractive working conditions will it be possible to inspire new people for the profession – not by lowering the minimum age.
