THE European Commission last week failed to increase the Community
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quota for transport authorisations in 1981, though it has allocated 76 permits to Greece which joins the Community in January. MIKE RUTH ERFORD reports from Brussels.
An increase of 25 per cent was planned over the previous level, but due to pressure from the German and Italian ministers at a transport council meeting here last Thursday, no increases were approved and Greece received only 76 permits instead of the proposed 95.
The proposed 25 per cent increase would have given the United Kingdom 523 permits instead of 418. It is thought that the 25 per cent figure was considered a bare minimum by some member states, though a member of the British delegation admitted that a ten per cent increase "would be something to be going on with."
A year ago, the UK received a 20 per cent increase in its allocation of permits, but once again met stern resistence from Germany and Italy.
Germany's pro-railway policy and Italy's concern at weights and dimensions are blamed for the disappointing result at the meeting. A further meeting is planned for March when it is hoped that both countries will change their views.
But European Commission director general for transport Raymond Le Goy was making no predictions and told CM: "You never know with these people."
The Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association are predictably disappointed by the outcome. The RHA sees the permits as "extremely useful".
The Irish Overseas Transport Association was expecting more permits and will be making representations through various channels in the hope that the meeting scheduled for March will be fruitful.