Press Release: Rail Transport: France and UK fail to implement European rules regarding the Channel Tunnel

The European Commission has sent a formal request to France and the United Kingdom to comply with EU rules against excessive track access charges for passenger and freight trains in the Channel Tunnel. The Commission has also asked them to ensure a fully independent regulator and to end an agreement which currently reserves capacity for certain train operators in a restrictive way. The high track access charges get passed on to passengers in their ticket prices and rail freight companies complain that they cannot afford to send more freight through the Tunnel – it remains on the roads causing congestion and pollution.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Commission presses Eurostar to lower tunnel charges http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-presses-eurostar-to-lower-tunnel-charges/

ESO: Background Information: June infringements package: main decisions http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-june-infringements-package-main-decisions/

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