Concerns are growing that proposed changes to cabotage rules will result in more foreign operators choosing the UK to carry out haulage work, leading to a greater number of accidents and increased unfair competition. Conservative MEP Timothy Kirkhope says the government is not adequately representing the views of the industry and is failing to take a tough stance with the European Council on its plans to harmonise cabotage laws.
Kirkhope fears that allowing foreign drivers to make three
deliveries in a seven-day period will have a "disastrous" effect on road safety and, because they pay no road tax, will undercut domestic operators. Kirkhope says: "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. The system is working as it is the industry doesn't want to change.
"The rules that are being proposed are going to be very damaging if they go through." The trade associations are also concerned the Freight Transport Association's chief economist Simon Chapman says that without an adequate database of foreign operators it will be almost impossible to enforce the 'three-in-seven' proposal.
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