Transport News – Page 2 – GB Tachopak Ltd: Blog

Important Highways Agency Reminder: Weight limit at Boston Manor, M4

A 7.5 tonne weight restriction remains in place on the M4 between Junctions 1 and 3 in both directions as a result of ongoing repair work at the Boston Manor Viaduct.

It is very important that drivers of vehicles of 7.5 tonnes or more comply with this restriction.

If you operate vehicles weighing 7.5 tonnes or more and use the M4 between junctions 1 and 3, please ensure your drivers follow the clearly signed diversion route using the dual carriageways of the A312 and A4. This applies to both eastbound and westbound traffic.

VOSA is working closely with the Met Police and the Highways Agency to identify and take action against road users who do not comply. This action includes the issuing of fixed penalties for vehicles not complying with the weight restriction and reporting repeat offenders to the Traffic Commissioner.

France orders breathalyser for motorists

France introduced new laws that state drivers MUST carry their own breathalyzer kits in their vehicle. This BBC article explains more…
Buy Online here
>> http://amzn.to/RVFCsS

here is a summary…

A new law has come into force in France making it compulsory for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles or risk an on-the-spot fine.

It is the latest move by the government aimed at bringing down the number of road deaths caused by alcohol. All motorists must also have with them a high-visibility safety vest and a warning triangle. Foreign drivers are included in the new rule, however there is a grace period until November.

Some 4,000 people are killed on French roads every year, with drink-driving being the main factor in accidents ahead even of speeding.

The French government hopes that with breathalysers in every car, drivers who suspect they may be over the limit can test themselves and if necessary refrain from taking the wheel.

Where can I buy them ? Approved French Breathalyzer Kits can be ordered online via Amazon UK who have quite a few different models. Average price is £6 for two in box.

Changes to the OCRS scheme

The OCRS scheme was due to be rolled out on 30^th April 2012. But due to technical errors the roll out never took place. VOSA are now seeking views from within industry, before a new date for implementation is announced.

***AUGUST UPDATE : OCRS will change 1 Oct 2012
In April we informed you that the introduction of improvements to the current Operator Compliance Risk Score (OCRS) system was delayed due to some technical issues discovered during a system test.

These issues have been resolved and a full round of rigorous system-testing has now been completed. Improvements to OCRS will be introduced on 1 October 2012

The Olympics are almost here!

With the Olympics due to start on 27th July, are you prepared for the start of the largest traffic jam potentially experienced by freight and bus operators?

Should you be involved in delivery or collections of goods during the Olympic games then you need to be ready and have plans in place to help you. The TfL (Transport for London) have produced 2 handy guides for operators, in the form of a top tips guide and an operators guide. These can be found on the TfL website or the links below.

» Top Tips | » Operators Guide (PDF format)

Operator Licencing – Small Trailer Exemption

On 4 December 2011, the operator licensing exemption for small trailers with an unladen weight not exceeding 1020kgs for hire or reward operations was removed.

If you operate a goods vehicle and tow a trailer for hire or reward, where the maximum train weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes, you are likely to be within scope of goods vehicle operator licensing and should seek further advice from VOSA. Some dual purpose vehicles and any trailers drawn by them are still exempt but again, if you are unsure whether or not this means you, you should seek further advice from VOSA.

Hire or reward

In this context, hire or reward operations are those which primarily carry other peoples’ goods. This would bring into scope transport and general haulage companies, courier companies, parcel delivery companies etc.

Still exempt?

An operation may be classified as hire or reward by virtue of the fact that other peoples’ goods are being transported. However, if delivery of those goods are not the primary activity, then the operation is still exempt.

So landscape gardeners, for example – who transport plants that are not the property of the landscape gardening business – are still exempt because their primary activity is landscape gardening, not transport.

Companies new to operator licensing

This change to the legislation will bring in to scope many companies that do not currently need an operator licence.

Some operators may therefore be unaware of the changes being introduced. If however, it is apparent that an operator has been advised of the changes and has not subsequently made an application for a licence, enforcement action will be taken.

If you’re not sure if you’re exempt from O-licensing requirements, email
enquiries@vosa.gov.uk for further advice.

Safe Vehicle Loading Matrix

View the Load Security Enforcement Matrix

VOSA have been working with the Health & Safety Executive to improve training for roadside staff (VOSA), in terms of vehicle load security. This means that VOSA will now be using a Load Security Enforcement Matrix, to help decide if a vehicle load is secure or not. The matrix will give guidance on any enforcement action to take dependent on several factors. These factors are briefly:

Load type
Load dimension
Vehicle type
Securing method

These factors will be used to determine what, if any sanctions will be taken and will range from an advisory to an outright prohibition. Any prohibitions will also affect an operators OCRS score.

VOSA have stressed that operators should pay particular attention to curtain sided vehicles. Their advice is that curtain sides should not be seen as a load restraint system and additional security devices should be employed to secure the load.

Although VOSA will be looking at load security in detail, they will not routinely be looking into vehicles and trailers. They go on to say that sanctions will only be taken where there is evidence of a clear danger.

Drivers must be supplied with the correct types of load securing device to ensure that there is no danger to other road users or the public at large. This will also help to protect your operators licence and ultimately your business.

Important Changes to Vocational Licences

DVLA Form D4 Medical Examination The rules for lorry and bus driving licences will change from 19 January 2013.
Licences issued from this date will be valid for five years, up to age 65.
New drivers passing a driving test from 19 January 2013.

If you pass your driving test in categories C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E, after 19 January 2013 you’ll receive a licence valid for five years.

Every five years up to age 45, you’ll need to sign a declaration to confirm that you still meet the medical standards. After age 45, you’ll need to provide a medical examination report every five years to renew your driving entitlement.

Existing minibus, bus and lorry drivers

Drivers under 45 years old
If you passed a driving test in one of the categories below, you’ll come under the new rules when you renew your driving licence.

The categories affected are C, CE, C1, C1E, D, DE, D1 or D1E.
When you renew your licence, you’ll receive a licence that is valid for five years. Every time you renew it, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will need you to confirm that you still meet the medical standards.

If you apply to replace your licence because it is lost/stolen, or your personal details have changed, your new licence will run until the end of your original period. However, if you update your photo at the same time, you’ll come under the new five-year rule.

Drivers over 45 years old
Drivers over 45 will continue to renew their entitlement as they do now.
When you renew your licence at the end of a five-year period, you’ll be renewing your driving entitlement. You’ll need to provide a medical examination report.

Form and more details:
Download ‘medical examination report’ – Form D4 (PDF format, 211K)

And don’t forget if you need any help with your transport compliance, GB Tachopak are now able to provide a full compliance auditing and management service, to help you stay within the law and protect your operator licence.
CALL GB Tachopak Ltd – Tel: 01472 210102

Charging Heavy Goods Vehicles for Using the Roads

Lorry with long trailer A consultation is taking place into the viability of introducing a charge for all HGV vehicles driven on the UK road network. The proposals are varied but, could mean a charge of up to £1000 per year per vehicle, with costs being offset by a reduction in annual VED rates. Have your say at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-03/

UPDATE: The consultation has now ended and we are awaiting the results. Hopefully we will be able to bring you more news in our next news letter