Aanhef

The Contracting Parties,

Desiring to facilitate the international transport of goods,

Aware of the expected increase in the international transport of goods as a consequence of growing international trade,

Conscious of the adverse environmental consequences such developments might have,

Emphasizing the important role of combined transport to alleviate the burden on the European road network, particularly in trans-alpine traffic, and to mitigate environmental damages,

Convinced that, in order to make international combined transport in Europe more efficient and attractive to customers, it is essential to establish a legal framework which lays down a co-ordinated plan for the development of combined transport services and the infrastructure necessary for their operation based on internationally agreed performance parameters and standards,

Have agreed as follows: