French accept belly tanks
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• France has backed down over belly tank fines after pressure from the EU over its persistent abuse of the hazardous cargo (ADR) regulations.
France has now agreed to an ADR amendment which specifically allows hauliers to carry fuel in any fixed tank with a direct attachment to the engine.
The amendment comes into force on 1 January 1997 but French officials have already told their traffic police to stop fining British trucks equipped with belly tanks. The French will now accept trailer-mounted belly tanks up to 500 litres and tractor-mounted tanks of up to 1,500 litres French authorities also came under pressure from the EC's single market complaints unit this spring after Wisbech-based fuel tank manufacturer SB Components complained of unfair competition.
Managing director Steve Bushell says both the urf and the EC quizzed the French on their attitude to belly tanks last winter.