UK-liveried truck operating in Codu
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
II Greek operators came under fire again this week after a Kentbased haulier told CM that an artic he sold last year has been spotted in Corfu—still carrying his firms livery.
The truck was sold last November to a British national based in Athens who sold it on to a Greek haulier. A British tourist spotted the vehicle in Corfu and mentioned it to one of the firms drivers.
"It couldn't have been one of ours," says the owner of the Kent firm, our trucks go to Greece but never to Corfu."
1-le reports that demand for British trucks in Greece is high as "it is well known that Greek police rarely stop trucks with British number plates". He adds that he has been approached by somebody else in Greece who wants to buy one of his trucks.
This story adds further weight to claims that Greek hauliers are running UKregistered trucks as a way of getting round Greek licensing procedures, which are both expensive and protracted.
A Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) spokesman confirms: "Once a vehicle is exported, the only thing we are required to do is update the registration details. The British plates do not have to be removed."
• CM reported last week that an EC inquiry has been launched to look into Greek hauliers running British-registered vehicles on British Operator's Licences but working in Greece.
The UK Department of Transport has sent pictures of UK licence plates and 0-licences to the Greek authorities to help them stop Greek hauliers abusing the system.