Two drivers, both barred from operating trucks, unlawfully team up; authorities intercept trucks with serious mechanical issues
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:30 AM, a Macedonian truck driver and his vehicle were inspected by the Bulgarian highway police's traffic division. The truck in question, registered in the EU, was found to have several severe defects and makeshift repairs, posing significant traffic hazards.
The vehicle's steering was defective, and the brake pressure reservoir was temporarily secured with a lashing strap. Moreover, the air suspension bellows were about to burst, and the truck had no brake force on the rear axle, making it impossible to stop safely.
The driver, aged 55, did not hold a valid driver's license, and he also lacked professional driver qualification, as required by EU regulations for third-country drivers operating trucks registered in the EU. These requirements aim to ensure that drivers meet specific regulatory standards regarding their driver's license, professional qualifications, and legal employment status.
The truck in question was initially a replacement for the trailer. The first replacement driver, a 58-year-old Macedonian, also lacked a valid driver's license and professional driver qualification. The second replacement driver was prohibited from continuing his journey due to similar reasons.
The EU has taken steps to address these issues, requiring third-country drivers to provide proof of their legal employment status with a driver's license. This regulation is aimed at curbing illegal employment. The EU addresses these aspects through driver attestations and increased scrutiny from transport ministers to ensure safety, fairness, and compliance in the sector.
Several reports and administrative offenses were written as a result of the inspection, highlighting the importance of adhering to EU regulations and maintaining road safety for all users. The rise of third-country drivers has raised concerns about worsening working conditions and the distortion of fair competition in the EU road transport sector, leading to calls for stricter oversight and fair pricing policies.
- The automotive industry's safety is of paramount importance, as demonstrated by the case of a Macedonian truck driver who was stopped by Bulgarian highway police, having a defective vehicle that lacked basic safety features like working brakes and legal employment documentation.
- The flawed transportation system can have serious financial repercussions, as seen in the EU, where regulatory breaches by third-country drivers like the one in question can result in administrative offenses, compromising road safety and potentially distorting fair competition in the finance sector, such as insurance premiums.
