UK truckers hurt by Spanish thugs
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by Miles Brignall
• Many British hauliers want to ditch international work following the Spanish truck blockade, during which drivers were beaten up, windscreens smashed and 200 British trucks were held for more than a week. For many operators it was the third time they had been held up in three months in three different countries. The Spanish Embassy says this week that negotiations have led to the lifting of blockades in most areas except for the Santander region.
Although much shorter than the French dispute before Christmas, this has been one of the most violent confrontations since hauliers carrying coal were attacked during the UK miners' strike.
Wimborne-based Phill Bascombe Transport is one of those that says it may now concentrate on domestic work. It had two trucks caught in the dispute, one of which was left in a secure pound at Irun. Manager Peter Currell says: "Our other truck managed to escape and is waiting in France for a load—I dread to think how much this has cost us."
Hundreds of drivers from all over Europe had tyres slashed and windscreens smashed. Blocks of concrete were dangled on ropes from motorway bridges to catch any vehicles trying to break the blockades.
An Irish driver is reported to have been shot and one protester was killed after being hit by a French truck.
Any operator caught trying to move was dealt with harshly. An un-named British couple were both pulled from their cab and beaten up by strikers—another UK driver was kidnapped at knifepoint.
Car plants ground to a halt and fruit and vegetable supplies were severely disrupted by the Spaniards, who are calling for better conditions and lower diesel prices.
Chic Lavelle of Motherwell-based CWL Transport, who was stuck along with around 100 British drivers in Burgos, says: "It was complete mayhem—the whole thing got way out of hand." He was allowed to go after five days.
0 Transport Secretary Sir George Young has written to his opposite number in Spain to demand compensation for British drivers caught up in the dispute. Hauliers seeking compensation should ring the nearest British Consulate to where they were held. Contacts: • Santander: 00 3442 220000; • Madrid: 00 341 3085201; Phil! Bascombe: "Seriously reviewing" working abroad. • Bilbao 00 344 4157600.