Transport law
One important objective of transport law is that people who suffer an injury in connection with transport are to be entitled to satisfactory compensation. Another objective regarding goods transport is that conditions which are favourable to the Swedish business sector are to apply.
Transport law includes civil law issues linked to transport on roads and railways, by sea and by air. This covers:
- damages in the event of injuries to passengers, goods or the environment;
- damages and assistance in the event of cancelled or delayed passenger transport;
- assistance to travellers with disabilities; and
- other conditions regarding goods transport.
The Ministry of Justice works on legislation in these areas. As transport law has very much an international dimension, a lot of the negotiations take place at EU level and in other international organisations, often resulting in legislation in Sweden. The Ministry handles negotiations within its area of responsibility.
The Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications is responsible for other issues related to transport, such as organisational issues or issues concerning infrastructure and safety.
Current issues
Inquiry into liability and insurance obligation for sea transport
The Government has instructed an inquiry to propose legislative amendments in connection with two pieces of EU legislation regulating the liability of shipowners during passenger transport at sea, and the obligation of shipowners to have insurance cover for various claims for damages under maritime law. The inquiry is also to address the issue of whether Sweden should accede to an international convention that regulates the liability of shipowners for passenger injuries. The part of the remit that concerns the obligation to have insurance cover has been reported on in a memorandum which has been circulated for comment.
New Railway Traffic Act
A ministry memorandum is being drawn up that addresses the issue of whether Sweden should accede to a new international convention in the area of railway traffic that concerns both passenger and goods transport, and what legislative amendments this would entail. The memorandum will also cover certain legislative amendments in connection with the EU regulation concerning rail passengers' rights.
Passenger rights
A ministry memorandum is being drawn up that addresses legislative amendments as a result of two new EU regulations concerning the rights of passengers travelling by sea and bus. Work is also under way in the passenger rights area on processing the Public Transport Inquiry's report 'Act concerning passenger rights on local and regional public transport' (SOU 2009:81). The report contains a proposal for an act covering all forms of transport and giving passengers on public transport and regional transport the right to information, compensation in the event of delays, assistance and other things.
Liability in the event of discharges of hazardous substances at sea
The Government has delegated the task of submitting proposals concerning whether Sweden should accede to two international conventions regulating liability in the event of discharges at sea of hazardous chemicals and 'bunker oil'. The remit also includes proposing the legislative amendments that would be needed if Sweden were to accede to the conventions.
