Eight-hour drivers?
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FRENCH objection to a 'safeguard' clause included in changes to the EEC regulation on working conditions for lorry drivers (543/69) could mean that the maximum driving day in the UK will be reduced from 10 to eight hours on January 1.
The safeguard clause would have given Britain and Ireland three years to implement the regulation gradually.
But at an EEC council of transport ministers in Luxembourg last week, the French rejected the request on the grounds that it amounted to renegotiation of the treaty of accession.
But British officials said that between now and January was too short a time for the UK to draw up and implement legislation and they would have to postpone bringing in the regulation for at least six months. Such delay means that the European commission could take Britain to the European court of justice, as has been threatened in the past, for a legal ruling.
It has been referred back to experts who will attempt to reach a compromise on the safeguard clause before the beginning of October.
The Belgians have agreed to hold another transport council early in October should there be no agreement between experts before them.
Other main items, on which broad agreement was reached, besides the safeguard clause and the reduction in driving hours, as are as follows: A driver's weekly rest period would be increased by five hours. from the present 24 hours off each week to 29.
Prohibition on bonuses, especially for loads carried and distances covered, except where they don't affect safety. The two-man rule for journeys of more than 450km would be abolished providing cabs are fitted with a tachograph.
Actual sailing time spent by drivers on ferry boats would be regarded as part of their rest period, whereas time going through customs and getting their vehicles on board would not.
There was also board agreement on an amendment to the tachograph rule, which will probably go through automatically when French reserve on the social regulation is lifted.
Old vehicles would have until July 1979 to fit a tachograph.
Vehicles operating within a radius of 50km of base would be excluded from the tachograph regulation, as would those of less than 6 tonnes and those with a laden weight of less than 31/2 tonnes.