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UK drivers losing millions in France

21st November 1996, Page 119
21st November 1996
Page 119
Page 119, 21st November 1996 — UK drivers losing millions in France
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Karen Miles • International truck operators suffering more than a week of the French lorry drivers' blockade have little chance of gaining compensation for the £3m-aweek disruption.

The Department of Transport and employers' associations said they could only hope to persuade the French government to widen its compensation scheme from damage-only payments to include the cost of the French drivers' disruption.

The Freight Transport Association believes the action by 50,000 French drivers could cost UK operators up to £3m a week in drivers' salaries, idle vehicles, loss of earnings and perishable loads, as well as replacement driver and vehicle costs. Small hauliers, particularly owner-drivers, are thought to be most vulnerable.

As CM went to press, a group of British hauliers had mounted a blockade stopping cars joining ferries bound for the UK. Talks to end the dispute had broken down and Danish drivers were threatening similar action.

The French drivers—who are demanding a reduction in the retirement age to 55 and higher wages—had this week trapped about 1,000 UK trucks among 10,000 foreign lorries in nearly 100 blockades from the northern ports to other border areas.

Livestock hauliers were reported to be given free passage by demonstrators and some drivers were able to break free from the miles of stationary lorries to escape on minor roads.

Washington-based Francis Transport has had one driver stuck for over a week, costing £1,500 a week. "The weather is freezing and he's trying to conserve fuel. He has teamed up with some British drivers and they seem to be helping each other," says proprietor John Francis.

Three drivers from Rokold European Transport managed to drive through blockades, although the company has lost over a week in man hours.

Repercussions are likely among British drivers. The Transport and General Workers Union expects some members to call for copycat tactics at home in order to improve driver conditions. But TGWU national secretary Danny Bryan says: "However attractive it might sound it is impractical."

El Two drivers from Bailey's Transport of Caston, Norfolk have each been fined £80 for wilful obstruction after involvement in a Cambridgeshire demonstration in June against rising fuel duty.


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