UK fights Euro plan for safety officers
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by our Brussels correspondent • The United Kingdom is to fight a costly EU proposal to appoint a safety officer in every transport company dealing with hazardous goods.
At the next meeting of European Union Transport Ministers, in Brussels on 21 November, the UK is expected to battle against Germany, France and Belgium who are in favour of appointing safety officers. The UK is expected to be backed by Greece and Portugal.
The EU wants every operator to designate one person for special training and responsibility for verifying that the transport of dangerous goods rules are correctly applied.
Germany suggests that costs could be cut by appointing an outside expert covering several firms. Greece fears the new rule will be too expensive for small hauliers: UK and Portuguese authorities "agree that steps must be taken to improve the training of personnel dealing with hazardous substances", but "do not see how this need can be covered simply by appointing one person from each firm". The UK has pointed out that "the cost/benefit ratio of the Directive's provisions have not been assessed".
Germany wants to apply the Directive only to operators carrying more than 50 tonnes of dangerous goods annually. France asks for an exemption up to 1,000 tonnes. However, Belgium and Ireland are insisting that once an outside expert is allowed, there should be no exceptions to the rule.
John Robinson, managing director of Billingham-based hazardous goods haulier Imperial Tankers, says the appointment of a safety officer is "unnecessary and bureaucratic." He adds: "The operator licensing system is built around safety." As managing director Robinson says he fulfils the role of ensuring Imperial Tankers' 65 trucks and 90 tankers meet safety requirements.