Quote:
Originally Posted by ibis  and
Note that: (a) this only permits member states to charge - it does not mandate it; (b) it estimates road costs would only rise by 3% if member states do decide to charge; and (c) you can get around the charges by using cleaner lorries - or, god forbid, rail.
It may well still banjax the Irish hauliers, though. |
It would banjax a bit more than the hauliers. We have higher base costs in haulage than most European companies. We don't have the rail infrastructure that Europe has and there would be a disconnect between the mainland and here anyway, if we did have good rail. The ferry points. The switch from land to sea and back adds freight costs.
Maybe we should make a rail tunnel to mainland Europe via Britain.
I'm a bit suprised that Elsbeth type engines haven't been used in more trucks, they're cleaner than standard diesels and more efficient, with a wider range of fuel oils usable.