ESC CALLS FOR FASTER, EFFECTIVE RAIL FREIGHT REFORM

ESC CALLS FOR FASTER, EFFECTIVE RAIL FREIGHT REFORM    The European Shippers' Council last week called for faster and more effective implementation of rail freight reform measures.
   The comments were made at an ESC workshop to discuss the European Community's Railways Package, which covers access to rail networks, licensing of operators and path charging and allocation.
   The ESC called for:
   * Effective implementation of the rail package and tough scrutiny for compliance by the European Commission.
   * Fast adoption of the Railways Package directives by member states and implementation of changes brought about by the directives.
   * Consistent implementation of the directives by member states to ensure coherent international services.
   The council said it fully supports the EC, which is preparing a second package of railway legislation that will include the liberalization of national railways and national cabotage.
   ESC concerns over implementation of the Railways Package directives included separation of the functions of infrastructure allocation, charging and licensing, cross-border cooperation and priority for freight services and the establishment of a rail regulator.