Regulations governing coach transport to be tightened following accidents

Following the recent spate of deadly accidents involving Polish coaches in Hungary, Rumania and Austria, the government has decided to introduce changes to the law by supporting a new project proposed by Infrastructure Minister Marek Pol. All companies which are licensed to carry passengers will be thoroughly inspected to ensure that they meet all safety standards. The government will revoke licenses and impose large financial penalties on companies that break the law. Over recent days the number of random checks and stops by the police and other authorities of coaches along the road have increased. In some cases the police found the vehicles were unroadworthy, which meant that passengers had to be transferred to another coach to complete their journey. To help prevent driver fatigue, the working day for drivers will be shortened and they will face more frequent and rigorous medical tests. There will also be a ban on transporting children during the night. However to make life easier for passengers, the Minster suggested that coaches should have special express clearance at border crossings. (Rzeczpospolita, p. A3) A.K.