Article 1
Open ↗In point 4.2.2.1.3.2 of the Annex to Regulation (EU) 2019/773, the paragraph ‘Phasing out’ is replaced by the following: ‘ Phasing out: The following deadlines shall apply for accepting freight trains equipped with two reflective plates: (1) From 1 January 2022, along the rail freight corridors specified in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 913/2010, with the following exceptions on the lines where steady red lights are an operational requirement for ensuring safety: (a) 1 January 2026 for Belgium and France; (b) 1 January 2025 for Portugal and Spain. (2) From 1 January 2026, in the whole European Union rail network. Member States concerned by the exceptions under (1) (a) and (b) shall provide, by 1 March 2022 at the latest, the Commission with a detailed action plan and precise targets ensuring the elimination of the requirement for red lights as rear end signals. Every 6 months thereafter, those Member States shall provide the Commission with a report on progress made on the use of reflective plates on their network with the aim of Union-level harmonisation of rear end signals by 1 January 2026. Stakeholders shall provide all necessary input to allow Member States to fulfil their reporting duty. The Commission shall report to the committee referred to in Article 51 of Directive (EU) 2016/797 on the implementation progress of section 4.2.2.1.’