Thanks to some new legal amendments, life will be easier for drivers starting in July. Driving licences, driver's professional competence certificates and memory cards for the digital tachograph can now be obtained in any municipal department with extended powers. The applicant no longer has to submit a paper photograph when filing the application for a new licence or licence replacement. Also, the driving licence does not have to be changed if the place of residence changes. The legal fees for the driving licence changed as well. The replacement of an expired licence will still be free of charge.
The priority of the Ministry of Transport is the acceleration of preparation and construction of transportation projects. We want to make major progress towards the completion of the backbone motorway network and finalise the construction of bypasses on 1st category roads and improve the existing condition of the transport infrastructure. We will introduce digitalisation of the transport agenda and facilitate communication for citizens with authorities. We will support the shift from trucks to the rail. We will accelerate the preparation of high-speed rail lines and projects for the improvement of navigation conditions on waterways.
Holiday trips entail certain trouble. Unknown routes and destinations, unknown roads that may be full of cars, different traffic regulations, changing mood of travellers, a big risk of traffic jams, the desire to reach the destination as quickly as possible and accumulation of stress and fatigue before the holiday. Tragic traffic accidents caused by fatigue or confusion of the driver are unfortunately typical of the time when most people start heading to the sea for their desired holiday. The overestimation of one's strength and abilities is another frequent cause of accidents. It happens that drivers who always only take their "well-known weekend tours" set on a 1000km non-stop ride believing they will make it. Then they forget regular breaks and want to drive as much possible in on go and at any cost. The consequences may be however very tragic.
The members of the EP in Strasbourg swept the compromise agreement on rules for sending drivers abroad, drivers sleeping in truck cabins and access of shipping businesses to the European market from the table. The package was approved by the Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) last week. Following long disputes and negotiations, the EP decided that no general rules will apply to drivers in the international road transportation business regarding transit.
The transport minister Dan Ťok held a speech at the EC meeting in Luxembourg on the proposal of the so-called Mobility Package governing matters connected with the sending of drivers abroad, drivers sleeping in their truck cabins and access of shipping businesses to the European market. The member states did not find any agreement and the Council position was postponed.
The Railway Administration Authority (RIA) officially kickstarted the modernisation of the railway route from Sudoměřice by Tábor to Votice today. The aim of one of the most important current railway infrastructure investments is to raise the speed, capacity, convenience and safety on this 20km long section of the 4th transit corridor.