Roadway Update 13 February 2019

ECMT allocations

The 2019 ECMT permit allocation (from the bid round which closed mid-January) has been announced.

Applications were massively oversubscribed. As a result, the overwhelming majority of permits requests were declined.

Whilst this will be very disappointing for international hauliers, other options are being developed, so there is no need for dramatic action by those who’ve been unsuccessful.

DfT has confirmed that extra permits (about 70 percent more) will be available for UK operators. The RHA understands that an additional application period will take place, allowing operators of Euro V lorries to bid for permits.

All applicants who have been unsuccessful in this bid round will be automatically entered into the next round for annual and monthly ECMT permits.

More information can be found on our website. Updates can be followed on RoadwayLive.

Direct Vision consultation

TfL’s consultation on the planned Direct Vision/London Lorry Permit scheme will close 18 February.

The plan will require all lorries to obtain a permit before entering London. Those entering without a one will receive a heavy fine - £550 for the vehicle operator and £130 for the driver.

The RHA has summarised the scheme for members. The consultation can be accessed online or comments can be sent via email.

Whilst the RHA supports improving safety standards, this should not be done locally. Vehicle and operating standards should be determined at a national or international level.

Old bowsers out

Since 2004 bowsers have been certified to carry certain dangerous goods (UN1202, diesel fuel, gas oil). This authorisation will end 9 May 2019.

Bowsers made prior to 10 May 2004 could be regarded as an intermediate bulk container (IBC) so long as a set of conditions were met.

Any bowser manufactured from 10 May 2004 to the present time is required to meet the standard of an IBC under 6.5 of ADR.

Check out RoadwayLive for the full story.

Ancient brewery discovered on A14

Highways England's £1.5bn roadworks on the A14 in Cambridgeshire have unearthed evidence of Iron Age beer brewing.

Experts working on the site believe they have found evidence of the first beer brewed in the UK, which could date as far back as 400 BC.

The A14 works have previously unearthed evidence of ancient burials, abandoned villages and even woolly mammoths.

More information can be found on RoadwayLive.

Record numbers for cartel claim

Over 7,800 truck operators have signed up or registered to the RHA’s truck manufacturers cartel claim. The aim is to secure compensation for firms who paid artificially high prices for their vehicles supplied between 1997 and 2011.

The claim – which has the largest take up in Europe – is already estimated to be worth more than £1.5bn. It follows the 2016 European Commission ruling against a number of truck manufacturers who were found to have illegally fixed truck prices

If you operated a lorry, new or used, that was originally supplied during the cartel period you can join the claim.

Trailer registration update

The registration process for trailers being used in Europe is due to begin 27 February, assuming there are no further delays. (This is not required if you work solely between Northern and Southern Ireland).

Until that date, trailer owners can register their interest to apply for a certificate online. Contact details will be required as well as confirmation of commercial use.

Applicants will be sent a registration link within 48 hours as well as information on trailer registration. A payment of £26 per certificate will be required, but once all is completed, the certificate will be sent. Reapplication will not be necessary once the site goes live, unless additional trailers require registration.