LOCAL companies with lorries stuck in the French truck blockade can claim compensation from the French government.

This was revealed by Gary Titley MEP following a meeting with the European Transport Commissioner Neil Kinnock.

Mr Titley, who represents Greater Manchester West, claims MEPs from many countries are very angry at the damage being done by the French blockade.

He said: "Neil Kinnock stated that the blockade was a matter for the French government to resolve and that the Commission had no powers to intervene.

"He informed us however, that he had told the French government in the strongest terms that rights of non-French lorries to move freely had to be restored quickly.

"He also revealed that it is possible for non-French transport companies to demand compensation for losses from the French government."

Mr Titley said that to get compensation, lorry drivers need to do the following:

1. Go to the office of the local prefet where the lorry is stranded for forms to make the claim.

2. Provide proof of abnormal direct loss with details of circumstances.

3. If the claim is rejected locally, a claim can be made through the French courts.

Mr Titley added: "The action of the French drivers is to be condemned. Not only British but Irish and Spanish drivers, in particular, have been badly affected.

"Perishable goods have been lost and companies have been put through a huge expense.

"Some of the issues they are fighting about however, should be supported. They are demanding that French transport companies respect European laws on drivers' hours.

"For far too long French companies have flaunted these laws and the French government has turned a blind eye.

"Their drivers are at the wheel for too long. This is illegal, dangerous and can give them an advantage over companies who respect the law. The French government must act."

Mr Titley concluded: "I was delighted to learn from Commissioner Kinnock that action by the European Transport Union has lead to an easing of the situation for British lorry drivers."

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