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It seems the main problems for Low Countries haulers will
Page 20
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strike a familiar deal with UK operators. For example, it recently came to light that tractor drivers, in Belgium particularly, are operating as unfair competition.
Michael Ruel, secretary-general of the UPTR, a Belgian hauliers' trade association, has called on the government to bring in laws to regulate more stringently the movement of goods by agricultural vehicles on public roads.
These tractors, he says, do not have to pay the same taxes as truck owners, can use red diesel. so lowering excise duty, are less safe, don't have to be fitted with tachos and their drivers are exempt from taking rest periods.
Ruel says: "It's clear that there's a major problem. It is unfair to and prejudicial against hauliers that 38% of farm vehicles moving goods on public roads are doing so outside the law and are not subject to taxes such as the Eurovignette — which costs hauliers E1,250 (£1,102) per lorry."
Belgium is renowned for its surrealism. So it's perhaps fitting Ruel's trade body also represents last year's striking tractor drivers. And given the contentment of most Low Countries hauliers, Ruel probably has the toughest job of the lot.