Coalition sets out plans to counter metal theft in Europe
Posted: 26 May 2015 | | 1 comment
Associations representing the railway, public transport, energy and recycling industries have called on EU policy makers to take action against metal theft in Europe. The eleven associations within the coalition today issued a common statement setting out the areas in which EU-wide action is necessary to counter metal theft. The statement issued today urges EU […]
Associations representing the railway, public transport, energy and recycling industries have called on EU policy makers to take action against metal theft in Europe.
The eleven associations within the coalition today issued a common statement setting out the areas in which EU-wide action is necessary to counter metal theft.
The statement issued today urges EU policy makers to take appropriate steps in three areas in which Europe-wide action and cooperation is needed in order to complement measures already in force at a national level and initiatives already undertaken by the concerned stakeholders.
The three steps include; Proper implementation and enforcement of existing waste legislation across Europe prohibiting uncontrolled management of metal waste and scrap. The statement sets out a proposal to introduce new measures linked to the identification of metal waste and scrap buyers and sellers.
The coalition’s second step includes stronger cooperation between EU borders and law enforcement authorities with improved data exchange.
Thirdly, common definitions and sanctions need to be introduced in order to make foreseen penalties for metal theft proportional to the actual impact and cost of the crime.
The coalition, including associations such as Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies (CER), International Union of Railways (UIC) and UITP (the international association representing public transport stakeholders), aims to raise awareness about the negative effects of metal theft on the functioning and quality of services and its overall impact on public life.
The full coalition statement can be downloaded here.
A Europe wide piece legislation would be a significant step forward in terms of tackling metal theft. I was involved in developing and rolling out nationally a number of measures (‘Operation Tornado’ which was the forerunner to the new legislation introduced in the UK in 2013 and the UK Metal Theft Taskforce) focused on reducing metal theft. I was heavily involved in the development and delivery of this legislation which has made a significant impact when it came to reducing metal theft. I am recognised as the UK expert when it comes to tackling metal theft and interpreting the new Act and its crucial that those involved in the creation of any European wide legislation fully understand the implications of getting it right first time.