Concern over changes to cabotage rules
Date: 22 April 2008
Fears have been expressed that proposed changes to cabotage rules will result in more foreign freight operators choosing to provide haulage services in the UK.
According to website RoadTransport.com, conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope said that the government must do more to represent the views of the UK haulage industry in European meetings if it is to be protected from increased unfair competition.
Mr Kirkhope told the website that European plans to bring cabotage laws into line and allow foreign drivers to make three haulage deliveries in a seven-day period would also be disastrous for road safety because they pay no road tax.
"Negotiations are getting very difficult and there are worrying vibes that the government is not negotiating very well it is not in a strong position and is not representing the views of the industry," he said. "The system is working as it is the industry doesn't want to change."
In other news, the Road Haulage Association called this week for the government to consider a proposal outlined by the SNP for the establishment of a set price for oil with any increases above this level being offset by reductions to petrol duty.
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