Spain's New Measures Harm Moroccan Trucks, Causing Delays and Fines

Moroccan international transport drivers are facing significant challenges and financial losses due to a new set of regulations implemented by Spanish authorities at the beginning of July. The Moroccan Association of Road Transport via Continents (AMTRI) has highlighted the detrimental impact of these measures on Moroccan drivers.

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This new law requires trucks to head to designated parking areas and stop there, precisely identifying the parking number and location before activating the procedures.

The core of the issue lies in the enforcement of the European mobility package. This package now mandates that light commercial trucks, weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tons, engaged in international transport, must adhere to the same stringent rules as heavy trucks. This includes the mandatory use of digital tachographs and strict compliance with daily and weekly driving and rest hour regulations, aimed at ensuring competitive fairness.

Compounding the problem, Spanish border crossings have intensified inspections to verify that these international transporters possess the required permits and licenses for cross-border transit. According to a report by the European legal group ECIJA, this has led to a crisis for transport professionals.

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The problem lies in the severe congestion in these parking areas, which exceeds the capacity of Spanish ports.

Amer Zghayno, president of AMTRI, explained that the new European law, enforced by Spain, requires trucks to proceed to designated parking areas. Drivers must then identify their specific parking spot before initiating inspection and declaration procedures for transit into Morocco. However, severe congestion in these parking areas, often exceeding the capacity of Spanish ports, has created a bottleneck.

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Moroccan trucks loaded with goods find themselves unable to return or exit, forcing them to stop on the public roads surrounding the port.

Moroccan trucks carrying goods are now finding themselves unable to depart, forcing them to park on roads surrounding the ports. This situation exposes drivers to substantial fines, potentially exceeding 1,000 euros, and rigorous inspections that can lead to trucks being placed in a "red lane" for a more complex examination. The delays, which can extend up to five days as drivers wait for inspection appointments, result in escalating costs, risk of spoilage for perishable goods, and the loss of driver visa validity.

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Fines exceed one thousand euros.