Category: VOSA

Safe Vehicle Loading Matrix

Load Security Enforcement 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.

Driver CPC – the Traffic Commission’s View

Driver CPC requires all professional bus, coach and lorry drivers to complete a minimum of 35 hours periodic training every five years for as long as they wish to continue to drive professionally.

In a recent article in the transport press, the senior Traffic Commissioner (TC) Beverly Bell stated that employers as well as employees, will find themselves before the TC , if drivers are not compliant with the CPC by Sept 2014 (2013 for passenger vehicle drivers). Bell went on to say “driver training is essentially about investing in your staff”.

Mailshot: The TC expects that operators should be able to show the steps they have taken relating to driver licencing and DCPC qualification. In conjunction with VOSA, there will be a mailshot to an estimated 80,000 operators reminding them of their responsibilities, with a second mailshot in 2014, and dependent upon your action or inaction, you may be called before the TC for an explanation.

Fines: Current levels of fines for failing to comply have been set at up to £1000, if a driver is driving professionally without a DQC (Post Sept 2014), this applies to both operator and driver alike.

Qualification: Some would argue that the DCPC is a driver qualification and is therefore the responsibility of the driver to ensure they hold the DQC qualification. But with the TC’s and VOSA out to ensure that all vocational drivers are qualified, can operators afford not to comply?

» Get the DCPC Guide
» Register for Driver CPC

Digital data analysis is the way forward for local Transport Company

Thursday, October 20, 2011 : Grimsby Telegraph

Digital tachograph data analysis is an emerging route for an established south bank business that has supported the UK’s transport industry for more than 30 years.Tachopak Staff (Grimsby Telegraph)

GB Tachopak has established a prominent role in providing vital stationery products to small fleet hauliers and coach operators.

Now, as technology becomes an integral part of the sector, the Humberston business is ensuring it doesn’t get overtaken.

Experienced industry operator Phillip Latta has been brought in as general manager, as husband-and-wife owners Mike and Lesley Bayliss look to take more of a back seat in a business that began as a printing firm producing a handbook for the Road Haulage Association.

Mr Latta, a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport who sits on the organisation’s Humber regional committee, previously worked as North East Lincolnshire Council as part of the fleet strategy team. He has 20 years of experience in the industry and has just completed a degree in logistics management at Grimsby Institute.

He said: “We concentrate on the smaller end of the market and offer a personal service, which we pride ourselves on.”

“We like to think we can go the extra mile. We have done the same thing for 30 years, but the industry has evolved now and we are moving into a digital era, where paper is being replaced by e-mails. Paper is a consumable, data isn’t. We act as a bureau where we can download and analyse the data and it works very well.”

“We are all about understanding and deciphering the data, and presenting it back to the client in a way they can make use of it.”

“It is not just about compliance, but it could be to help with efficiencies.”

The premier supplier of driver defect report books in the UK, the company also provides tachograph charts and the equipment for fleet operators to manage the digital element themselves, as well as vehicle first aid kits.

Another key service is ensuring their clients stay on the road, providing the latest information when it comes to the law, as well as advising on training requirements.

Next month should see the firm’s Drivers’ Handbook launched, a 96-page publication that the six-strong team at GB Tachopak, based in Wilton Road, is excited about.

Mr Latta said: “It covers legislation, best practice and particular elements such as driving in London, where emissions zones and congestion charges have to be contended with, as well as other controlled zones.

“If you can give advice to drivers it will benefit operators as well. It will make a driver’s life easier. There is a lot of information out there for operators, but we decided drivers needed something, and we are hoping to have it on sale by November 1.”

It has been welcomed by both road safety charity Brake and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

(pic) ON THE RIGHT TRACK: GB Tachopak staff:
General manager Phillip Latta, right, with, from left, Anne-Marie Archer, Mike Bayliss, Karen Watford, Lesley Bayliss and Brenda Evison. Picture: Michelle Adamson