Haulage firms concerned at possible new dangerous goods rules
Date: 07 September 2007
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UK haulage companies are concerned that possible new European rules regarding the transportation of dangerous goods could put some hauliers out of work.
The European Commission is voting on a plan that would allow countries to prescribe certain modes of transport for dangerous goods. For example, nations could insist that all such goods be carried by rail or waterway.
This could lead to job losses in the freight haulage sector and has been criticised by companies such as Steads Transport of Nottingham.
"It is absolutely impossible to move all dangerous goods by any one mode that wouldn't involve road," the firm's Philip Stead told Motor Transport.
Paul Wauters of the International Road Transport Union added: "Imposing modes of transport is something we would have expected from the former Soviet Union, not from the EU which is all about creating a single free market.
"It is imperative that the consignor, carrier and consignee maintain freedom of choice for the means of transport used.
"If we start to dictate such measures for our dangerous-goods sector, we are certain to see the chemical industry leave its European production plants to produce in countries outside the EU."
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