French hauliers lend their eight to British demands
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
*:t I King tackles data logging problems with R:Com. PAGE 13 VEHICLES Technicality means that RPC holders can't use continental diesel. PAGE 12 1E3 Chester-based haulier is fined for using untaxed vehicles. ACE 16
• by Melanie Hammond
The British hauliers fight for lower fuel tax and a fair deal on illegal immigrants has found an unlikely ally in a French haulage association.
The FNTR is urging the French government to push for a pan-European reduction on fuel tax and an end to British penalties on drivers caught carrying illegal immigrants.
The move is timed to coincide with France's Presidency of the EU, which began in July and will run for six months.
Like Italy, France operates an essential user rebate system—but the FNTR wants to see diesel tax rebates of up to 5% for hauliers throughout Europe. While such a rebate would do nothing to level the playing field across Europe for international hauliers it would at least provide some relief for UK hauliers.
"Europe should have a system which reflects usage," says an FNTR spokesman. "Motorists can choose what type of car and engine they want and how often they use it; hauliers don't have a choice."
The French government is also under pressure to fight penalties imposed on hauliers caught with stowaways in Britain. The FNTR says that the British imposed the system "without even a basic consultation process" and no provisions were made to inform Continental hauliers that the legislation was in place.
It has also slammed the British government for imposing fines arbitrarily and wants to know who will benefit from the millions of pounds accrued through the fines.
'The drivers' unions are very worried about the situation and some drivers are refusing to cross the Channel," says the spokesman.
The latest figures show that 43 of the 330 drivers served with fixed penalty notices were French.
Donald Armour of the Freight Transport Association warns: "This legislation is having repercussions far greater than the government had envisaged."