Standing stiffly to attention Biglorryblog is pleased to welcome back that loveable old curmudgeon 'The Boss' who once again has been trucking along the French side of Europe with his beloved Maggie and camera. And he has sent me the above picture and the following words: "Met a young driver on the ferry last night,pleasant to look at and to listen to---a young lady who I informed about the world famous Biglorryblog so if she is viewing, welcome Anne." Indeed welcome to the 'daft side young Anne' from BLB. And here's a good joke I heard the other day. What date is National Star Wars Day held on? Obvious....May the Fourth....(oh well please yourselves)
Anyroadup the Boss goes on: "A simple photo this week,interesting nevertheless. Sat taking a break alongside this French mobile X-ray machine when in they came with an empty low loader, British. The driver must have been as baffled as I was as to why they bothered to X-ray it ! Then it became clear they didn't have a clue what to do and a flat was less of problem than a fridge for them to practice with."
The Boss adds: "Let us now salute the senior British driver who kept his cool---but we can spare a thought for the two traffic cones killed instantly when 'Kermit' couldn't find forward gear and rolled back which must have upset those in the van who then came out and screamed abuse at the French driver!"
Now click through here to read what happened next....(and also some nice British X-ray machines)
"Eventually they managed to travel along the empty lorry without causing damage and after checking the cab the Brit truck went on his way. You would think such a valuable piece of equipment would have a dedicated team, quite clearly not.Then I bought a British paper and read that the French had decided they could only X-ray our lorries after they had asked the illegal stowaways permission---so have I witnessed the French demonstrating their new technique,only X raying empty flats? If so operators like Denby could be regular customers.
Yours..."The Boss."
About the only thing missing is a good old "harrummphhhh!" (So I'll add it anyway.)
Meanwhile, wandering around the Kent County Showground at Truckfest SE a year or so ago what should BLB encounter but this VERY impressive piece of kit belonging to the UK Immigration Service. The four-axle rig (based upon what I assume is a PPM crane carrier) is a combined mobile X-Ray unit and CO2 people sniffer designed to winkle out stowaways on incoming wagons. It's normally based in Dover but can operate as a mobile unit, including I'm told in Calais. But in light of the recent news from France I wonder if it will be crossing the Channel? The extra-long rigid certainly took a bit of shunting around the showground until it finally found a suitable slot, not least capable of taking its weight. Rather them than me with various rubberneckers walking around it.......
Enjoy.....
Thanks to The Boss and The Bosses friend for your company last night on the ferry and the interesting chat. Sorry I didn't get to say goodnight - le garcon in the restaurant tried to pass a Scottish note onto me (no offence to the Scots). I will look in from time to time on the BLB, I already have RoadTransport.com set up in my favourites. The delay yesterday getting out of the docks at Portsmouth - could that be a knock-on effect from the French not bothering to check vehicles now for illegle immigrants? Almost an hour to get out - not good. Safe driving to all.