TEHRAN -- Iranian trucks will be prevented from entering Europe as of 2001 since they do not observe international transport standards, according to press reports Thursday.

The Persian daily Qods quoted the head of the Transportation and Terminals Organization in West Azarbaijan Province, Akbar Jabbari as saying that, according to new regulations approved by the European Union, trucks which do not observe international standards would be barred from entering Europe.

"Currently none of the trucks manufactured domestically, meet standard requirements. Some have excessive weight and, due to over-consumption of fuel, they also contribute to air pollution," the paper quoted him as saying.

The country's transportation fleet does not conform to modern technological standards, he said, adding this problem should be tackled through cooperation among ministries. The government, he said, should compel the Industries Ministry to observe international standards in the production of heavy vehicles, said the daily.

Jabbari said the production of these trucks, beside harming the country's economy and its international trade, will lead to a decline in demand for Iranian products in the world market.

He cited infrastructural problems in the country's transport system such as access to services at concessional rates and lower transport prices as being among the obstacles to invest in the sector and its development, the paper said.

Jabbari put the average age of passenger vehicle fleet at 20 years, saying the worn-out vehicles were the main cause of road accidents in the country.

(IRNA)