The trial driving licence and driving under supervision from the age of 17 will also work in EU4/12/2023|Press releasesImproving safety on Europe's roads, better prevention for novice drivers and more effective cross-border enforcement of traffic offences. These were the main topics of the meeting of the EU Council in the formation of transport ministers, which was attended by Transport Minister Martin Kupka on behalf of the Czech Republic. European ministers today adopted the so-called Council position on further directives related to the Road Safety Package. In addition, the ministers also discussed further European funding for the construction of transport infrastructure. "Today's meeting of transport ministers from across the Union confirms that we are heading in the right direction. In the directive on driving licences the approved Czech innovations are also introduced at the European level. The possibility to drive under the supervision of a mentor from the age of 17 and the trial driving licence will no longer be the prerogative of the Czech Republic and several other countries but will become a common European practice," says Transport Minister Martin Kupka and recalls the innovations that will apply to Czech drivers with the Road Traffic Act amendment from the beginning of next year. The directive adopted today should bring these instruments to Europe's roads in the coming years: European scheme for novice drivers, allowing accompanied driving after obtaining the driving licence at the age of 17. Stricter conditions for novice drivers during the first two years (or more depending on national rules) of driving. Driving licence in the phone. "Freedom of movement and travel is one of the cornerstones of the European Union. It is good that digitisation will continue in this respect and in a few years we will be able to drive across Europe with a driving licence that we will have recorded in our mobile phones," said Kupka. From 1 January 2024, it will no longer be necessary to physically carry the driving licence when driving in the Czech Republic but this obligation will continue to apply when travelling abroad. Enforcement of fines from foreigners will be easier The ministers of the member states also discussed today in Brussels how to improve cross-border enforcement of fines for traffic offences. The list of offences for which the authorities will exchange information on drivers or vehicle owners is being extended. These include dangerous overtaking, driving in the opposite direction, failing to keep a safe distance or entering a level crossing despite a current warning. "We have also managed to include the offence of driving away from an accident in this list," minister Kupka stressed, adding: "At the moment, municipal authorities often have a problem with delivering the fine to the offender. It will now be possible to use the National Contact Point to help deliver the offence to the offender. This will make the whole system more efficient without an unnecessary bureaucratic burden, as we have consistently advocated during the negotiations." Following today's adoption of the Council's general approach, the upcoming Belgian Presidency can now start with negotiations with the European Parliament on these key legislative documents. European funding will help with the construction of high-speed lines During today's meeting the ministers also discussed other options how to fund the construction of transport infrastructure from European funds. The Czech government has now completed a ten-year investment plan that envisages a massive development of our transport network. "We also want to make big investments in modern railways and high-speed lines that will better connect us with Europe in the future. But it is crucial for us to secure sufficient financial resources for the implementation of these major projects, including co-financing under the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027," minister Kupka noted.