Truck drivers blockade border crossing to protest new restrictions

The drivers were protesting a Transportation Ministry regulation banning trucks weighing more than 12 tonnes from Poland's public roads on weekends and holidays from June to September. Only trucks transporting perishable goods are exempt. The summer ban was added to another restriction that prevents trucks from circulating on state and Church holidays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Drivers argued that by law they are allowed to enter a 25-kilometer border zone, no matter what time of day or year. The drivers ended their protest at noon yesterday after transportation officials confirmed they would be allowed to enter Poland on weekends after being cleared by customs officers and would be able to park up to 25 kilometers from the border. (Zycie, page 1, Reuters)