FPÖ: Closets of regional trains endanger jobs and mobility

FPÖ: Closets of regional trains endanger jobs and mobility

Österreich - In the National Council, FPÖ digitalization spokesman NABG. Dipl.-Ing. Gerhard Deimek sharply criticized the plans of the black-red-pink federal government on May 22, 2025. This applies above all to the announced closures of regional trains in Austria, which DEIMEK described as "unacceptable". In his speech, he underlined the need to improve the working conditions for professional drivers and express concerns about savings at ÖBB Infrastructure AG.

Deheimek pointed out that the savings mentioned were carried out without prior discussion with the country councils. He appealed to SPÖ Transport Minister Hanke to spoke the negative effects of the measures in the rail sector during his discussions in Germany.

improvements in steering and rest periods

A central point in Deheimek's speech was the urgency of new regulations for steering and rest periods that are in accordance with the European regulations. These regulations, which are set in Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006, are intended to help reduce accidents and to reduce the unequal competition in road traffic. According to the applicable EU guidelines for professional drivers, the daily steering times may be a maximum of 9 hours, whereby these can be extended to 10 hours to two days a week. In addition, weekly steering times of a maximum of 56 hours and a total length of 90 hours are permitted within two weeks.

The rest periods are required at least 11 hours a day, whereby a reduction to 9 hours is possible in exceptional cases. These regulations are not only important for goods transport, but also for passenger transport. Compliance with this steering and rest periods is mandatory for drivers of trucks and for vehicles that promote more than 9 people.

regulations and monitoring

The responsibility for monitoring these regulations lies with various authorities, including the police and the occupational safety authorities. In accordance with the Driving Personnel Act (FPersG), violations can result in fines of up to 5,000 euros for drivers and up to 30,000 euros for companies. Deimek emphasized the role of the new definitions of violations to improve the legal situation and create legal clarity.

In addition to compliance with the steering and rest periods, the drivers are obliged to keep records about their driving and rest periods. These records are necessary for controls and must contain specific data, such as the name of the driver and the vehicle license plate.

The regulations and regulations applicable in the EU are designed to regulate both national and international road traffic and to enable professional drivers to work under safe conditions. It is all the more important that the Federal Government takes initiatives to promote security and fair competitive conditions.

In view of these comprehensive regulations and the current situation in the rail sector, Deheimek's speech underlines the need for a well -founded dialogue about the future of mobility in Austria and the provision of a reliable rail transport.

For further information on the legal foundations of driving personnel law, interested parties can be interested in the pages of the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility href = "https://europa.eu/youreurope/citens/work/work-abroad/rules-working-Road-transport/index_de.htm"> consult European Union