Non-EU drivers: FTA call to halt Dutch
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• Dutch hauliers using illegal eastern European drivers are operating with impunity, the Freight Transport Association has complained.
In a letter last week to the Department of Transport, the association says a number of members are worried the Dutch government is failing to stop its own hauliers employing cheap and Illegal, non-European Union drivers, The complaints concern Dutch companies using mostly Hungarian drivers on journeys within the EU.
The criticism follows confirmation last month that the DOT has asked Germany to look into complaints from some UK international hauliers concerning German haulier Willi Betz, The DOT is investigating whether Betz's operations using Bulgarian trucks and drivers could break international permit agreements (CM 21-27 Jan).
Betz strongly denies any wrongdoing. In December the DOT made it clear that non-EU drivers must not drive British-registered trucks.
UK hauliers already feel under threat from Dutch hauliers operating legally. They can operate heavier lorries and pay only a fraction of the fuel duty. On a 38-tonne five-axle vehicle the Dutch pay VED of £631 (the UK pays £3,210). Fuel duty is 23p/litre (44.99p in UK).