Mont Blanc tunnel reopens to trucks

Environmentalists are gathering for protests at the entrances to the Mont Blanc tunnel between France and Italy, after it was reopened to heavy goods vehicles during the night.

The tunnel was closed to all traffic three years ago following a devastating fire in which 39 people were killed.

It has since undergone extensive repair work and safety improvements and was opened to cars and light trucks three months ago.

Heavy trucks will be forced to observe strict speed limits, and vehicles carrying dangerous pollutants and chemicals will be prohibited.

But a BBC correspondent in the region says many people are angry at the reopening of the Mont Blanc tunnel, saying it's unsafe and represents an environmental hazard.

Local environmental activists and campaigners say they'll form human walls at both entrances to the tunnel to try to prevent heavy trucks from entering.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service