Brussels, 10/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 10 September, the European Commission approved an extension of the aid from France and Italy to the experimental rolling motorway service between Aiton and Orbassano which uses the existing line between Lyon and Turin.
This is an extension of the aid approved by the Commission on 12 December 2003. Under that decision, France and Italy are allowed to grant financial support of up to €22 million each to the new rolling motorway service between Aiton and Orbassano over the experimental phase from 2007 to 2009. The service is being operated by AFA - Autoroute Ferroviaire Alpine - during this period. The Commission considers that the aid is compatible with competition rules since it is limited to the experimental phase.
In the rolling motorway system lorries are loaded onto shuttle trains which carry them and their drivers over distances of 200-300 km. This offers a viable alternative for crossing natural obstacles, such as the Alps. It also provides a means of reducing road congestion and environmental impact and encourages combined transport, thereby contributing to the objectives of the EU's sustainable transport policy. (L.C./transl.rt)