Wider reefers on the way?
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• Common Market officials are working on a draft directive to increase the width of temperature-controlled vehicles in all EEC countries from 2.50m to 2.60m to satisfy the demands of operators involved in refrigerated transport operations.
The draft directive is already with the EEC translators, and it could become a formal Brussels proposal next month when it is due to be put before the EEC Commission.
Pressure was put on Brussels to act last December by British and German operators and by Transfrigoroute, the organisation which represents their interests, Thin-wailed vehicles became an issue back in the summer of 1985 when Italy refused to let them into the country because they could not guarantee enough refrigeration.
Last year Britain agreed that the width of these vehicles — which was laid down at 2.50m by an EEC directive in 1985 — should be increased to 2.58m. At the same time the Benelux countries agreed to go to 2.60m to allow for thicker side walls with a total width of 9cm.
Both Luxembourg and Belgium have now adopted this in their national laws and the Dutch will shortly do the same.
The Brussels Commission is acting quickly to avoid a situation where competition is distorted by countries passing different laws in this field.