Summary / comments concerning the main impacts
- Cabotage may encourage the operators from low labour costs countries to participate, thus reducing the overall income of the workers in the transport sector by increased competition among operators and within the road freight market. This competition which mainly stem from companies based in low-wage countries, can lead to distortions due to large variations in national social and fiscal conditions. This could also lead to market disturbances in individual countries, in particular in high-wage transit countries. [8].
- The location of the transport operator and service provider affects the public income in the different countries concerning taxes. Depending on the country, the tax imcome rises or is reduced, depening on origin of operating companies.
- The elimination of restrictions have a positive effect on the administrative burdens.
- Apart from the labour costs, distortions arise because of differences in tax regimes, including the different taxation of fuel. [9]
- In terms of spatial competitiveness, countries at the periphery of Europe are disadvantaged. [8] However, while France has seen the level of cabotage (mio. tkm) increase since 2004, Germany and the UK have seen falls. The general tendency has been for cabotage to increase, with substantial rises since 2004 for Finland, the Czech Republic, Greece, Sweden and Denmark. Even the newer Member States saw rises in cabotage performed in their country. Overall, this is a healthy sign of growing competition in an important and newly opened market area [15].
- In some countries (e.g. the UK), domestic operators have reduced revenues due to the increased competition. [9] Reduced unit transport costs lead to smaller profit margins of road transport hauliers. [8]
- Consumers benefit from reduced costs / prices. This also be caused by lower price expectations of the buyers of transport services (passenger & freight transport). [9]
- In Germany cabotage has not led to a significant increase in competiton. No negative impacts for operators are expected. [10, p. 21/22]3rd level impact: It should be noted that the shift towards low labour cost countries also has a secondary effect, as the wages of these lorry drivers are expected to rise over time. As a consequence, a road freight transporter will need to operate from other low income countries that are located even further away. This may lead to extra costs and additional empty vehicle mileage. [EE]
Passengers
Transport operators
Unassigned
Health (incl. well-being)
Safety
Crime, terrorism and security
Accessibility of transport systems
Social inclusion, equality & opportunities
Standards and rights (related to job quality)
Employment and labour markets
Cultural heritage / culture