French Concessions for Indigenous Fuels
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/N February a decree concerning the 'utilization of home-produced fuels was passed by the French Government. From January 1, 1941, no new vehicle intended for refuse collection or street cleansing may be put on sale if it be not equipped to use home-produced fuel.
Pointing out the advantages to manufacturers and users, the Ministry of Public Works, in the official journal issued some weeks ago, states that vehicles using wood, charcoal or compositions, alcohol, electricity, coal gas, methane, coal, coke and similar fuels receive important benefits, of which the principal is the elimination of taxes on weight and dimensions.
As regards special taxes for public transport (passengers and merchandise) in the inner zone, there is the removal of tax up to July 1, 1941, and thereafter a reduction of 50 per cent. compared with that for other vehicles. Beyond the zone, which is not defined, there is an all-round reduction of 50 per cent.
As regards transport by private concerns, there is elimination of taxes in
the inner zone. Outside this, complete removal until July 1, 1941, and half the tax thereafter.
An increase is allowed in the limit of weight for vehicles. This is equal to the weight of the equipment in working order, with accessories, but the total added must not exceed 1,000 kilos.
By arrangement with the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of National Defence, vehicles using homeproduced fuel will no longer be liable to requisitioning for military purposes.
In respect of vehicles using producer gas, there are additional concessions. For short-distance haulage (a) if a licence has been issued to them for long-distance work; (b) if they replace vehicles utilizing other fuels and possessing the same licence. Transport of private firms outside the inner zone' can be carried out if the vehicle (a) was authorized for the work in peacetime; (b) if it replaces a vehicle utilizing another fuel and which had to be licensed for this work in peace.
So far as the carriage of passengers is concerned, there is a possibility of .assuring with producer-gas vehicles, services on certain routes otherwise prohibited.
From January 1, 1940, operators of haulage and public-service vehicles possessing 10 or more must utilize home-produced fuel on at lea.4 10 per cent. of their rolling stock.