New Rights for Passengers Travelling by Water
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
by
Neil Amner
New European Union Regulations will come into force by the end of 2012 which will mean passengers travelling by water will benefit from similar travelling rights as those travelling by air and rail.
The new regulation has been signed by the European Parliament and Council. It will enable passengers travelling by sea and by inland waterways to enjoy the same rights wherever they travel within the European Union. The regulations are due to be published in December 2010.
The regulations will assist in reaching the aim of achieving a consistent legal framework in the interest of passengers travelling by all modes. By creating a level playing field for operators in the maritime sector the new regulations are also expected to increase the quality and competitiveness of the EU transport industry. The Council and the European Parliament are still discussing proposed rights for passengers travelling by bus or coach which are essential to complete this legal framework for passenger rights.
The new rights include amongst others:-
-
Guarantee of reimbursement or re-routing in situations of cancellation or of delay in departure of more than 90 minutes;
-
Adequate assistance (for example snacks, meals, refreshments and where necessary up to three nights accommodation with financial coverage up to €80 per night) in situations of cancellation or delay in departure of more than 90 minutes;
-
Compensation between 25/50% of the ticket price in situations of delay in arrival or cancellation of journey;
-
Non discriminatory treatment and specific assistance free of charge for disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility both at port terminals and on board ships, as well as financial compensation for loss of damage of their mobility equipment;
-
Minimum rules on information for all passengers before and during their journey, as well as information about passenger rights in terminals and on board ships;
-
Establishment by carriers and terminal operators of complaint handling mechanism available to passengers;
-
Establishment of independent national bodies for the enforcement of the regulation, through, where appropriate, the application of penalties.
For further information on these regulations or other transport matters, please contact Neil Amner.
The information contained in this article is given for general information only, reflects the current law on the date of this article, and does not constitute legal advice on any specific matter