Fewer bans for the weekends?
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by Sally Nash • New legislation could be on its way to cut the growing number of weekend lorry bans on the Continent.
A plan to bring in legislation to harmonise the bans could be on the table next month, if the European Commission adopts a proposal put forward by the EC's own advisory transport team, WWII. According to one member of the team, harmonisation could lead to fewer bans.
Last year five EU governments. including the UK, supported the Dutch presidency's demands to fight the bans, despite resistance from France. Luxembourg and Austria. Austria is so opposed to harmonisation that the news of possible legislation is already making headlines there.
UK operators have to plan around lorry bans in Continental countries on more than 1(X) days a year.
The Freight Transport Association wants to see an end to inconsistent bans as they "discriminate against UK hauliers due to their geographic location". It adds: "It is vital we have, at the very least, harmonisation of restrictions before the end of the UK presidency of the European Union as Britain is succeeded by Germany and Austria, who are both firmly against the ban." The FTA favours a network of "freeways" protected from bans and blockade action at all times.
However, some industry pundits remain sceptical that harmonisation will actually be introduced quickly. "If we are realistic it is just not going to happen over the next six months," says one source.