U-turn in the Chunnel
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• Eurotunnel's controversial open-sided design for the rail wagons that will carry trucks through the Chunnel finally looks like being accepted by government safety watchdogs.
The Italian-built lattice-sided carriers have been slammed as a fire hazard by the British Safety Council (CM 21-27 Feb 1991). And last October the inter-government French and British safety commission refused to accept the design.
But now the commission appears to have reversed its view. Banning the wagons would have caused serious problems for Eurotunnel, which wants to make its wagons as light as possible to carry 44-tonne trucks, In another move which could help entice hauliers from the ferries, Eurotunnel is looking at providing drivers with free, airline-style meals during the 35-minute crossing.
Eurotunnel, which intended only to offer tea and coffee to drivers, is talking to catering firms, but the company admits that strict food hygiene laws and the shortness of the trip could make it difficult to supply the complete meals that drivers are given on ferries.