Call for ATP extension
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by David Craik • A French motion at the annual conference of Transfrigoroute International to extend ATP regulations to cover the transport of fruit and vegetables has been delayed until November for "further discussion".
At a meeting in Bucharest last week Transfrigoroute France also called for the application of ATP procedures to be harmonised across the European Union in a bid to raise standards and avoid unfair competition.
ATP procedures lay down the minimum technical standards of trailers and temperatures to be maintained in the transport of perishable goods.
If the carriage of fruit and vegetables were covered by ATP regs some international operators would be forced to upgrade their trailer fleets.
A motion from Transfrigoroute UK condemning the recent French roadblocks was unanimously passed by the association's members.
The Transfrigoroute UK motion called on the organisation to protest "most strongly" about this "laissez faire approach by both the French govenunent and the EU".
Transfrigoroute France was encouraged to press its government to ensure that European Law governing the free passage of goods is upheld.
Rob Swindells of Transfrigoroute UK says: "Nothing has been done to prevent these roadblocks from happening again. The French say that their workers have the right to strike but something must be done."
Li Luciano Marani, president of Transfrigoroute International, announced that he is hoping to eliminate the need for drivers to carry visas when driving across some Eastern European frontiers.
John Clark, owner of Clan Haulage, based in Dover, says: "We have heard of terrible problems lately trying to get drivers through these areas. Romania is particularly bad—I have heard of border delays of up to 20 hours in these areas. This is costing companies significant amounts of money."