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Unrestricted cabotage moved a step closer last week after MEPs voted for a regulation that will allow visiting international hauliers to carry out up to three domestic jobs in a seven-day period. This will rise to seven jobs within seven days in 2012, with the intention of scrapping limits altogether by 2014 (the so-called 'sunset clause').

However, the vote by the Transport and Tourism Committee at the European Parliament in Brussels is just one of the hurdles that need to be cleared  for the regulation to become law. The vote followed a heated debate in which a European Commission representative said the EC opposes setting a deadline for unrestricted cabotage. Instead, it wants a study in 2012 to find out whether the economic conditions are favourable. These would include a review of fuel costs and wages across the member states. MEPs in the socialist group sided with the EC and voted to oppose the changes.

Belgian MEP Mathieu Grosch of the Christlich Soziale Partei is rapporteur (sponsor) for the cabotage regulation. "I'm pleased with way the vote has gone," he says, adding that he believes a deadline for the end of restrictions is necessary. "I want to discuss with the socialists to see if we can reach a compromise." Drivers' wages are rising across Europe but Grosch accepts that three or four member states with low wages could present a problem when their drivers compete in other countries' domestic markets. "In 2012 we want a short study to see whether  wages are still a problem."

Grosch believes the new regulation could be in place by June if approved by the Council of Ministers and the Slovenian Presidency. The Brussels office of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is mounting a campaign against the sunset clause. It supports an amendment by UK Labour MEP Brian Simpson to stage a review in 2013, examining fuel duty across the EU and the effects on road safety. "I believe the socialist bloc will put its amendments forward again in the plenary session," says Chris Yarsley, FTA European affairs manager.