Animal transport regulations agreed

Brussels: A long-awaited agreement was reached on animal transport regulations at the European Union Farm Council meeting in Brussels yesterday.

A new compromise presented by council president, Dutch minister Cees Veerman, was accepted by a large majority. A gradual approach is central to the agreement.

Mr Veerman said the drive and rest times and the degree of loading remain unchanged. However, there are improvements in other areas including enforcement and control with the aid of a satellite navigation system.