WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176/00 by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Municipality of Rome's parking ban and levy of entry charge.
Date: 2000-01-31
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Italy, Latium, bus, cultural event, infringement of EU law, parking area, travel, vehicle tax

C 26 E/14

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

26.1.2001

The Commission has also blocked payments of a subsidy to a group of recipients, among which the Centre
is only one party, and is thus punishing undertakings having absolutely no involvement in this case.

Supplementary answer
given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(27 April 2000)

The Commission is not aware that one of its officials made a public statement on the matter of guilt in the
case referred to by the Honourable Member.

However, the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) has informed the Commission that a statement was made
by one of the Office(cid:146)s officials on the fact that, in this case, an appeal had been lodged with the Prosecutor
general
in accordance with the provisions of the code of criminal procedure of Denmark against the
decision by the Prosecutor not to press charges.

The Commission would point out that the matter of payments to beneficiaries is naturally assessed in the
light of the protection of the Community(cid:146)s financial interests.

Other payments to the same beneficiaries in cases vitiated by irregularities may be suspended where
necessary, or they may be recovered by offsetting in accordance with the provisions of the Financial
Regulation of 21 December 1977 applicable to the general budget of the European Communities and its
implementing details (1), and the internal procedures relating to the recovery of entitlements under the EC
and Euratom Treaties.

To date, no final decision has been taken in the case to which the Honourable Member refers.

(1) Commission Regulation (Euratom, ECSC, EC) No 3418/93 of 9 December 1993 laying down detailed rules for the
implementation of certain provisions of the Financial Regulation of 21 December 1977, OJ L 315, 16.12.1993.

(2001/C 26 E/017)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0176/00

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Municipality of Rome(cid:146)s parking ban and levy of entry charge

For the Jubilee, the municipality of Rome has decided to prevent tourist coaches parking in the city and
has also imposed an entry charge on them. This decision is certain to cause significant losses for tourist
and transport firms.

Does the Commission not consider that the decision is also detrimental to non-Italian European tourist
firms which had organised trips to Rome before the municipality(cid:146)s decision?

How does the Commission intend to reply to the protest it has received from the BDO, the association of
German coach operators?

Answer given by Mrs de Palacio on behalf of the Commission

(29 March 2000)

The closure of central Rome has prompted questions from various organisations. The Commission replied
to the German Transport Association (BDO) by letter dated 18 January 2000 and is also preparing a reply

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Official Journal of the European Communities

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to a question from the German authorities. Having studied the dossier provided by the Italian authorities,
and with regard to the restrictions placed on the movement of tourist coaches in the city centre, the
Commission finds that the Italian authorities have not infringed Community law.

Given the large numbers of visitors expected in Rome during the year 2000 (around 29 million visitors,
with between 2 000 and 2 500 coaches per day), the plan drawn up by the city authorities has several
objectives. It is designed to conserve the city(cid:146)s cultural and architectural heritage, protect the health and
quality of life of the people of Rome and limit the already serious levels of pollution.

To this end, the city authorities are planning to divide the city into a number of zones, some of which will
be off limits to all traffic. However, sites will be provided for tourist coaches, facilities will be organised for
setting travellers down in the city centre, and city centre access control points will be set up at which
coaches will be directed to specified parking areas. Exceptions will be made for certain categories of
traveller, such as the handicapped. Measures will be taken to improve the city(cid:146)s urban transport network
and road signs. All the contracts for carrying out these measures will be awarded via invitation to tender
so as to ensure transparency and the requisite competition.

These measures are in line with Council Regulation (EEC) No 684/92 (1) as amended by Council Regulation
(EC) No 11/98 on common rules for the international carriage of passengers by coach and bus, (2) and in
particular Article 12, which allows local excursions to be carried out within the framework of an
international service. It should be borne in mind that the main purpose of Regulation (EEC) No 684/92
is to regulate international transport. Local authorities(cid:146) policing powers allow them to regulate local traffic.
The application of Regulation (EEC) No 684/92 is without prejudice to the application of this policing
power as proposed by the City of Rome.

Accordingly, the Commission does not envisage initiating proceedings against Italy for infringement of
Council Regulation (EEC) No 684/92.

The plan submitted by the Italian authorities does not indicate the existence of an entry charge. In any
event, as local taxes are not harmonised at Community level, the introduction of an entry charge on tourist
coaches could not run counter to Community law unless it contained discriminatory provisions, such as
the application of a higher charge for coaches from other Member States.

(1) OJ L 74, 20.3.1992.
(2) OJ L 4, 8.1.1998.

(2001/C 26 E/018)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0187/00

by Alexander de Roo (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Dioxin scare and PVC

The WHO currently recommends that exposure should not top 1,4 TEQ/kg body weight per day,
including dioxins and dioxin-like substances. In a recent report published on 30 November 1999, EU
experts estimated the average dietary exposure for consumers within the EU to be as high as 2,6 TEQ/kg
body weight per day. The average EU citizen therefore consumes more dioxin and dioxin-like substances
than is acceptable according to the WHO. This means that the daily intake of these hazardous substances
by the most vulnerable groups, such as babies and children, is clearly above the WHO recommendations.
This situation has to changes as soon as possible.

Which measures does the Commission intend to take in order to reduce adverse health effects related to
exposure to dioxins?