Reefer call for 44 tonnes
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by Miles Brignall • European hauliers must be allowed to operate 44tonne vehicles on five axles and they should be given interest-free loans to buy the most modern and environmentally friendly vehicles, say Europe's reefer operators.
Combined road, rail and even waterways transport should also be encouraged, says Luciano Marani, Italian President of reefer haulage association Transfrigoroute International.
He told the group's 40th anniversary conference that the free circulation of traffic in Europe was essential to the future of the Union and called on Switzerland to join the EU to improve links between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Marani predicted that advances in technology would enable hauliers of refrigerated goods to make greater use of other modes of transport such as the railways and inland waterways. Criticising the Eco points system, he said the German proposal to triple tolls was not the best way to deal with congestion; 44tonne trucks would result in fewer journeys.
Dr Heinz Sandhager of the German Government told the conference his country would not agree to 44-tonners—but at the forthcoming meeting of European transport ministers Germany might support an increase in vehicle size limits to a length of 18.75111 and a width of 2.55m.
Transfrigoroute is launching a 24-hour legal hotline for members. Drivers in any of the 17 EU countries experiencing legal difficulties will be able to phone an appointed solicitor. The first point of contact is free; the solicitors will then charge at normal rates.
For more information contact Allan Dew on (01737) 768611.