40 tonnes for Europe?
Page 5
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EUROPEAN MPs, reflecting political opinion in the ten El countries, have come out in support of a 40-tonne maximum weic on five axles for lorries as a temporary harmonisation soluti( reports our Brussels correspondent.
This contrasts with the 44tonne upper limit on six axles put forward by the European Commission for debate by EEC Transport Ministers, and supported in part by Armitage.
"MPs decided that political feelings must be taken into account and the lower limit stands the best chance of acceptance," said a Commission official.
Apart from resistance in Britain, the 44-tonner is also unpopular in Germany where the larger lorries cannot go by rail.
The report by the European Parliament Transport Committee was carried by a big majority and will be debated by the full Parliament, probably in March.
EEC Commission officials say they are flexible and won't stick to their 44-tonne formula if it proves politically unpopular. They stress, however, that the higher limit should remain the EEC's eventual aim.
With time, argues the Cc mission, pressure will grow increasing weights beyond tonnes. For example, in addit to Armitage in Britain the pected Battelle Institute Frankfurt, commissioned by West German Government investigate the weight probl has come out in favour of the tonne solution.
Provisional decisions on sr aspects of the weights ques are expected after the full liament has given its opinioi the Committee's report.
Three other amendment: the proposal were success moved by Suffolk MEP Arrlf Turner, including one w calls for ways of altering c proceedings in the EEC so owners of foreign lorries w drivers break the law car prosecuted.
Welcoming the MEPs' MI the Road Haulage Associ this week urged the EE "make all speed" for a 404 maximum weight, althou, spokesman added that the was in favour of 44-tonnei carrying sea-going containr and from docks.
Transport 2000 director Lester said he was "baE disappointed" by the dec and said he had hope( Transport Committee vi have followed the Enviror tat Committee's lead by pr ing a 32.5-tonne limit fo monisation. "We are not c that the Transport Com: considered all represent put to them," he added.