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EC plans say fewer animals per live load
Page 8
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by Emma Penny Livestock hauliers could face running with much smaller loads and having to increase charges by 40% under new movement proposals from the European Commission.
The proposals, released last week, are designed to improve animal welfare during transport. On average, they will mean stocking densities falling by 40% for pigs, 16% for cattle and 32% for sheep, says Lisa Wise, transport advisor at the National Farmers Union.
"The change in stocking density depends on the animals involved and the length of journey, but haulage costs will rise as a result of this. If you have to carry 40% fewer pigs, that will mean two trips, doubling costs. The proposals could put a stop to sending breeding animals to Europe," adds Wise.
The proposals also align transport time with drivers' hours. Livestock can now travel for nine hours and 45 minutes (including the driver's break), with an 12-hour rest in the truck. They can then travel for a further nine hours and 45 minutes, again followed by an 12-hour break, and so on.
Livestock will be able to remain on board during rest periods because of the lower stocking densities and the requirement for trucks to be fitted with feeding and watering facilities, ventilation and heating. Remaining on the truck will avoid the stress of unloading and loading, as well as reducing the risks of disease transmission, says Wise.
However, Roger Wrapson, livestock carrier specialist at the Road Haulage Association, says this means animals will be travelling for longer. He also adds that carriers will also be subject to greater enforcement, and drivers must have been trained and assessed.
Farmers currently undertaking their own livestock transport will still be able to do so, says Wise, but where journeys exceed 100km, they must also hold training certificates. Farm trailers completing longer journeys will also have to undergo a five-yearly check by VOSA.
Consultation on the proposals Is underway, but Wise says it's unlikely many amendments will be made and the regulations could be in force by May 2004.