Ban on lorries on Alps route referred to EU
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The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has slammed the French region of Savoy for imposing at short notice a driving ban on the motorway leading to the Frejus tunnel route. The matter has been referred to European Transport Minister Loyola De Palacio after the IRU said it received notice of the ban on 3 February, just two days before it came into force.
Under the restrictions, HGVs are forbidden to use sections of the RN6 and the A43 on Saturdays in February. The French authorities say this is to cope with increased traffic to the Alps during French winter holidays for schools. The IRU describes the procedure used to inform transport operators and truck drivers of the ban as "unacceptable and irresponsible". It is urging the European Commission "to move rapidly to establish clear rules on driving bans applicable to trucks". discussion of which has been shelved since March 1998.
• The restrictions apply to Ms of more than 7.5 tonnes. Roads affected include the RN6 from Montmelian to the Freney roundabout, and the A43 from the Montmelian junction with the 441 to St Michel de Maurienne (access to the Frejus tunnel).