UK will go it alone on blockade claims
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by David Harris • Irish hauliers are poised to link up with their Dutch and Belgian counterparts to strengthen their bid for compensation from the French Government after last year's truckers blockade.
This follows British haulage associations' rejection of Irish overtures—instead they want to deal exclusively with the Department of Transport.
The Irish believe this could prove a mistake. Dr Christopher McCormack, director-general of the IRIIA, says: "Frankly my
view is that the DOT didn't do them much good in 1992."
The IRHA's lawyers, British firm Ford and Warren, met with the Dutch hauliers association, Transport en Logistiek Nederland, this week. The Dutch, in turn, are speaking to the Belgian association.
The central difference between the Irish and British approach is that the Road Haulage and Freight Transport Associations are following the guidelines worked out with the French by the DOT.
The Irish are being more aggressive and will threaten the French Government with legal action if compensation is not worked out soon.
The Irish, Dutch and Belgian claim, together with claims from some individual British operators, will be presented direct to the French prime minister's office. Some Irish hauliers are claiming .C14,000 compensation, based on a rate of £1,000 a day for the twoweek dispute.