Rocky times on Gibraltar
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THE FULL reopening this week of the frontier with Spain faces Gibraltar's few hauliers with some unwelcome problems.
During the 15 years of closure they have been isolated from the development of international haulage; and although Gibraltar is part of the Common Market, EEC transport legislation has so far been ignored. All that must now change.
Britain's bilateral haulage agreement with Spain already gives quota-free transit. But Spanish hauliers want to be able to carry goods from the UK to the Rock without this being treated as cabotage.
If this is refused British hauliers returning from Gibraltar may be prevented from picking up loads in Spain.
Since the Rock produces virtually no exports this point is vital.
Hours and tachographs are the EEC legislation causing most concern. The Rock has only about 10 miles of road which can accommodate vehicles large enough to be caught by the EEC regulations.
Britain may try to get the "small islands" derogation, now under discussion in Brussels, extended to Gibraltar's international transport.
The Certificate of Professional Competence and annual vehicle testing will also have to be introduced.
Britain is likely to ask the EEC Commission for several years in which to set up the necessary machinery.
And it will resist any attempt to impose EEC legislation on the Rock before it is fully operative in Spain after it joins the Common Market.
• Chard and Axminster Transport was the first British operator to run a lorry through to Gibraltar.
One of its Scammell Roadtrain units crossed the frontier at noon on Tuesday with foodstuffs for a wholesale customer in Gibraltar. The company anticipates running a weekly service,