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Getting heavy...
Page 12
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International operators planning their summer schedules will be relieved to know that France and Italy have promised that vehicles over 19 tonnes will be allowed to use the Mont Blanc tunnel from 13 May—but only rigids and artics with a maximum of four axles.
Artics with more than four axles and drawbar rigs will not be allowed through the tunnel until 25 June, and even then hazardous loads will be banned. Vehicles up to 19 tonnes have been able to use Mont Blanc since 8 April.
Pressure to reopen the Mont Blanc tunnel has been building in the face of congestion at the Frejus tunnel. The European Commission was finally forced to threaten the French with legal action if they were unable to justify their decision to ban HGVs.
The Mont Blanc tunnel was closed three years ago after a fire in which 39 people died.
• A United Nations report on safety in road tunnels has found that the main cause of accidents is mistakes by road users.
Recommendations include better information and training for road users; improved monitoring and control systems; and more effective ventilation and road signs.