An attempt is being made with Greek drivers to solve the problem of the lack of professional driving license holders in order to expand the door-to-door student transport program, as well as park and ride.
Related law proposal of DIPA MP Marinos Musiuttas was examined yesterday at the Transport committeeof the Parliament, with the Minister of Transport Alexis Vafeadis stating that the desire is for these two programs to be extended to the whole of Nicosia and Limassol, which faces a huge traffic problem.
According to the proposed law, the possibility for European citizens, holders of a professional driver's license, to be directly employed as bus drivers in Cyprus, by submitting proof of a clean criminal record issued by the Member State of citizenship of the professional concerned.
The prerequisite is that they speak Greek. There was a lot of discussion about this condition, since in essence other European citizens are excluded, however MPs expressed the position that when the driver cannot get along with the children, in the event of an accident who will bear the responsibility?< /p>
According to theMinister of Transportat the moment there is an immediate need for 40 drivers and he added that Cypriot drivers have not shown interest since they choose to work in other professions and especially in trucks.< /p>
Mr. Vafeadis said that the proposal for a law by the president of the Transport Committee, Marinos Mousioutas, provides the solution since it allows European citizens, holders of a professional driver's license, to be directly employed as bus drivers in Cyprus, by submitting proof a clean criminal record issued by their countries.
Mr. Vafeadis emphasized, however, that if within 9 months from the date of their employment the drivers do not obtain a clear criminal record from the Police , they will lose their license.
The Commission was told by a representative of OEB that bus drivers are paid 2,000 euros per month, which was denied by AKEL MP Kostas Kostas, stating that a friend of the driver informed him that he was being paid €1,200.
The OEB requests more frequent examinations for obtaining a professional driver's license, instead of twice a year. The matter is expected to be taken to the plenary in the coming days.
source: Philenews
