The overarching importance of coach operators that carry out international work monitoring drivers’ personal time within the Schengen area to avoid fouling the 90-in-180 day limit for third-country nationals has been highlighted by research into road transport between Great Britain and Schengen under the EU Entry/Exit System.

EES, which is in the process of full rollout, allows easier identification of ‘overstayers’. The study was commissioned by the Department for Transport (DfT) to give “a robust pre-EES implementation baseline” for holders of standard international PSV and HGV O-Licences.

Although research was carried out in late-2025, a report on the findings was published on 30 July. Survey responses from 70 PSV O-Licence holders informed the conclusions, with those reflecting views during an early implementation period.

That meant practical exposure to EES was limited, although extensive media coverage is noted. Awareness of the 90/180 rule “was generally high” across the sample, with the main business risk cited as reduced operational flexibility.

Nevertheless, “operators reported that they have not generally adapted recruitment or route allocation around nationality or 90/180 exposure. Instead, they [continued] to allocate international work mainly based on skills, experience, driver preferences, and availability,” the report notes.

Acknowledged is that many British operators travelling into Schengen do so infrequently, meaning that drivers are unlikely to breach the 90/180 limit. However, strong seasonality of cross-border coach travel is highlighted as a risk.

Further information:

https://www.route-one.net/news/importance-of-tracking-coach-drivers-schengen-days-highlighted/