MEP warns on hijacking
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• Tougher security to protect lorries on dangerous routes where hijacking and attacks are common are being demanded in a report to the European Parliament.
This follows recent incidents, where vehicles have been destroyed in France and Spain by angry farmers.
Robberies by armed bandits — particularly in Italy — are also a growing menace for international drivers. The report, by Spanish Euro MP Capbexon Alonso, claims that hauliers are getting a raw deal. He says they have to make expensive detours to avoid certain dangerous stretches. Insurance companies sometimes refuse to issue policies, turn down claims for 'terrorist acts' or boost the premiums, while Governments are slow to pay compensation and sometimes demand VAT on goods that have been stolen or destroyed.
Alonso's report, which has been accepted by the European Parliament's Transport Committee, says Government should establish guarded centres where drivers can leave their vehicles. Hauliers should be encouraged to join escorted convoys through the danger zones.
He also calls for EEC rules on compensation and an agreement not to charge VAT on imports which are stolen or destroyed en route.