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.