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Page 10
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PLENTY OF STICK BUT NO CARROT
With a little over 12 months to go before Euro-4 emissions limits become mandatory on new vehicle types, and 24 months before they cover all new vehicles, governments throughout Europe are finalising their plans to incentivise the move to these cleaner, greener engines. All worthy stuff, of course. The new engines required to meet the demanding new legislation may well cause less harm to the environment, but they will be more expensive for operators to buy so any aid will no doubt be greatly appreciated.
"Where's the incentive for
In Austria and Switzerland we understand there will be toll advantages. In Spain and the Netherlands new truck buyers will benefit from significant improvements to depreciation offsets against tax on Euro-4 equipment. The Danes and the Swedes are talking about lifting local lorry bans for compliant vehicles. But, hang on a minute — is it our imagination or is there one EU country absent from this list? Where's the incentive for UK operators? Guess what — apart from the cashstrapped Energy Savings Trust, we don't have one.
Setting aside for a moment the arguments regarding unfair competition and subsidies for road transport operators in Spain or Holland: why has the British government failed to grasp the initiative when normally it is oh so quick to champion the (anti-truck) environmental cause?
UK operators? Guess what we don't have one"
Forgive us if we appear paranoid on this issue, but could it be because it would involve giving the road transport industry in this country a break?
• You'll have noticed this week's issue includes a competition to win your weight in cash. No, this isn't a challenge to find Britain's heaviest transport operator (although clearly the heavier you are the more brass you can win).
In fact, we're planning a series of health-related features in the autumn and we're trying to recruit subjects to participate in some trials (don't worry it's nothing dangerous) involving diet, stress and physical well being.
If you can help please get in touch — and don't forget to enter the competition!