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The high Life

15th October 2009
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Page 20, 15th October 2009 — The high Life
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Twisting and treacherous mountain roads, very cold winters and growing environmental. legislation are just some of the challenges facing Swiss truck drivers today.

TH1-.. PRESENTERS OF television's Top Gear programme recently declared that the Swiss section of the Alps has some of the best roads in the world for driving. But the wise-cracking trio were in expensive top-of-the-range sports cars, not designed for bringing farmers' produce to the supermarkets

Speaking outside a Swiss Air Force base in Vaud, in the French-speakin2. west of the country, lorry driver Andre Frossard, 48, laughs at the fancy cars some might think necessary for negotiating the difficult terrain of twisting roads that bend and wind Around the sides of peaks.

He reckons driving a truck there is ar more challenging: pressure on the 'heel too far one way will smash the iehicle into solid rock, while a hard twist to the other can send both vehicle and driver over a cliff to their doom.

"I love the challenge of the heavy loads on the small mountain roads," declares Frossard. "Motorways get boring after a while, and it's more satisfying to go out to the mountains."

Swiss roads, he contends with much homespun pride, have the most allure for drivers.

Competition

The mountains might still present the same challenges, but many other aspects of being a Swiss truck driver have changed this past decade, with the biggest changes still to come.

"If you see a Swiss truck, with Swiss plates, outside of Switzerland, you can safely assume it is not a Swiss national behind the wheel," says a Swiss government transportation official.

It was at the conclusion of the Cold War that the nation began to think about integrating into the European Union (EU).

But when voters rejected the idea in a referendum. the government set out on an alternative road, signing bilateral accords with EU countries that included free movement of people and goods.

This has had a significant impact on the haulage industry in this small, rich country. "There is lots of competition from the east," says Bernard Staehli, 52, a driver front Vaud, in the south-west. "Salaries in Switzerland are much higher, and drivers cost more compared with the eastern [members of the European] Union."

He says the bilateral deals, many of which came into force in 2002, are certainly hurting drivers, but they have brought prosperity and ease for most other sectors. Frossard agrees, but notes that along the border areas, the locals are facing competition from their near-neighbours, where earnings arc lower.

"The border regions see lots of workers from France and Germany," he says." It's because of the salaries."

Real winters [his opening-up has brought a large influx of younger drivers from abroad, but they are not always prepared for the Swiss roads, and tend to be involved in quite a high number of accidents

"In the winter, passages, like tunnels, can close due to snow. Sometimes, you see drivers from other parts of Europe coming during the winter. It can be dangerous, especially following a big snowfall," reveals Staehli.

Another driver, who asks not to be named, recalls being stuck at a tunnel in January. The drivers piled out of their cabs, waiting for a crew to clear the entrance. "This driver walked out, wearing a T-shirt and sandals" he laughs "These drivers from the coast.., they don't realise what a real winter is like."

On the other hand, the Swiss drivers also enjoy the over-reaction of some colleagues from eastern Europe, who come laden down with small stoves When snow does block a road, it's usually only for a few hours before the highway workers clear it, Frossard explains. But, he says, it's better to be slightly heavier but prepared with tyre chains and food. than get stuck without the right equipment.

For Switzerland's drivers, getting home at the end of the day is important. Many strive to sleep in their own bed, and avoid hauls that will force them into motels. Across the country, people aim to go home for lunch, and still live traditional, family-oriented lives.

Safer roads

Since the law keeps most trucks off the roads between 10pm and 5am, getting home early is crucial.

Just as Frossard prepares to eat his lunch before continuing on his way, an ageing Swiss military truck passes by. "That is Swiss-made, and still going," Frossard says. No truck has rolled off an assembly line in the Alpine confederation since the early 1980s. Today, Swiss drivers tend to favour German and Spanish-made trucks.

It's not the only change: the volumes of goods transported by Swiss drivers are down and likely to remain down.

Frossard has already started to adapt. While still running hauls, he has taken up teaching driving safety courses which all Swiss drivers are obliged to undergo. He enjoys it and feels it helps keep Swiss roads safer, especially along the dangerous mountain roads whether it's a local or foreign driver behind the wheel. •

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