New weights battle looms on EEC draft
Page 6
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A NEW draft directive from the EEC Commission could mean British hauliers using 40-tonne vehicles in Britain — as long as they comply with a new international EEC specification.
The directive would bring in .a double standard set of specifications for vehicles used within the EEC. Vehicles used totally in the UK would still have to conform to British specification but vehicles including T1R lorries would be able to run at the European top weight.
Under the terms of the directive, the national legislation of all member states would be adjusted to allow the operation of the new Euroweight lorries so that the new vehicles would be allowed to circulate freely within the Community.
And no Member State of the EEC could legally refuse entry to a vehicle conforming to the new Euro-specification — so it would be up to operators to buy their 40-tonne five-axle combination for European operation.
EEC Commission transport department official John Es berg explained last week that the Commission had looked at the problem of raising weights and harmonisation and had come to the conclusion that the draft system is a good compromise.
If this system is not adopted, it would be up to the Commission to find another compromise between full harmonisation of weights throughout the Community and the current chaotic position.
But it is thought that the proposal will meet with a blank refusal from the British representatives when the draft is discussed by the EEC council of transport ministers, probably in November or December this year.
Even so, there are expected to be extensive discussions and talks within the Community. It is thought that the Italians, Dutch, Danes and the Germans will support the move but the Irish will, it is thought, side with Britain.
EEC officials see the draft proposal as having a "considerable impact" on the British market, both in terms of operators and manufacturers who have been consulted in the process.
On opposition to raising weight limits from British environmentalists, one EEC official commented: "The economic case for raising weights has sunk in in Britain, but unfortunately you have environmentalists with friends in high places frightening ministers."