This week's top 3 stories: Competition regulator examines Enterprise/SHB deal, Austria adopts scooter rules and German taxi drivers protest.
1. Enterprise takeover of SHB examined by UK competition watchdog
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into Enterprise Rent-a-car's acquisition of SHB Hire, a leading player in the commercial vehicle rental space. While the investigation was not a surprise, companies in the car sharing and ride hailing markets may look to involve themselves in the CMA's consideration of the acquisition. A key part of the CMA's consideration will be the definition of the market for car hire and how it has changed since the explosion in the numbers of private hire drivers (who often hire cars under commercial terms) and the introduction of car sharing as a flexible alternative to car hire. The open invitation to comment closes on 24 April.
2. Austria introduces rules governing e-scooters
The Transport Committee of the Austrian Parliament this week ratified proposals by Transport Minister Norbert Hofer to regulate e-scooters in the same way as bicycles. Users can ride e-scooters on designated bike paths, but not on pavements. Users are also prohibited from using phones whilst riding and from riding whilst over the legal alcohol limit.
3. German taxi drivers take to the streets to protest against deregulation
The German Taxi and Rental Car Association (BPZ) has called on drivers in around 30 cities to protest against forthcoming legal changes which would allow ride hailing companies to operate in Germany. The largest protest will take place in Berlin, where around 5,000 taxis are slated to drive at walking speed, starting from three locations. The proposed changes in German law would mean that private hire vehicles no longer have to return to their headquarters on completion of a trip, allowing vehicles to roam freely in search of work.
This is a weekly note covering the top three developments in the regulation of on-demand transport in Europe. It covers taxis, ride-sharing, car sharing, carpooling, bikes, e-bikes, scooters, shared mopeds and anything else that's relevant to the sector. If you'd like to receive this direct to your inbox then please enter your email address below:
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