Chairing a conference should be a simple job. But, when
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your conference gets taken over by the Belgian truckers' union — air horns, shouting, but thankfully no fisticuffs — in the first few minutes, things take on a more serious note. The protest was peaceful and, ironically, had the protestors stayed for the conference they would have heard that the speakers' sentiments were in line with their requests. Indeed, the impromptu presentation by the leader of the group met with a round of applause from the delegates — and yours truly was pleased to see their departure without getting his newly dry-cleaned suit splattered with the eggs they were handing out...
After that, the rest of the conference passed off peacefully. Legislators recognise the severity of the problem and it looks as if something will finally be done to address the parlous state of truck parking but who is going to pick up the tab? Most are looking to some form of private/public partnership to pick their way through this minefield. Clearly, there will be plenty more discussion before a clear picture emerges