Roadway Update 20 February 2019

HMRC backtracks on Declarations

HMRC has announced a six-month suspension to the introduction of inbound Safety and Security Declarations, in the event of a no deal Brexit. This comes after extensive lobbying from the Road Haulage Association.

RHA chief executive, Richard Burnett said: “It is clear that Government has listened to us. We have been insistent that the proposal to introduce consignment level Safety and Security Declarations for imported road haulage would be impossible to introduce in time.

“The extension will help but it still isn’t enough. There is no guarantee that businesses will have the necessary processes in place in six months’ time. It’s just a stay of execution. We need practical simplification of the system to ensure that it works for everyone and we will continue to push for this.”

Check out RoadwayLive for the full story.

Direct Vision Consultation

Transport for London’s consultation the planned Direct Vision/London Lorry Permit scheme closed 18 February.

The RHA believes the proposed scheme will inappropriately target lorry drivers with heavy fines as well as being expensive and largely ineffective. The Association also believes it will serve as a distraction from the serious issues with London’s infrastructure and protection of vulnerable road users.

The RHA continues to lobby for more appropriate measures to improve road safety, in particular that vehicle standards should be set nationally and internationally. In this instance we don’t believe the Mayor or TfL has listened to the impacted businesses.

Trailer registration ID plates

The process for trailer registration appears to be going well. RHA members are already beginning to receive their certificates.

However, there do appear to be issues with getting a plate made. Reportedly, several of the RNPS (registered number plate suppliers), are as of yet unprepared. There appear to be problems with supplying the correct plate size/colour, alongside changes required to their software.

The INF291 leaflet which is referred to on the back of the certificates is currently unavailable but should become accessible once the website for the live systems is made public.

Brexit international permits

The RHA has released an update for road hauliers on accessing the EU in the event of a no deal Brexit.

All international operators, with or without ECMT permit allocations should review the document.

The RHA will keep members up to date as fresh information becomes available.

M6 Stafford closure

Highways England has announced an 18-hour closure of the M6 motorway between junction 13 and 14 from 8pm on 23 March.

As part of the Highways England scheme to upgrade the M6 to a smart motorway, the closure is needed to allow the demolition of the Burton Bank Footbridge which is too low for the new layout. The full story is available on RoadwayLive.

RHA Helpdesk

The RHA Helpdesk in Bradford takes nearly 8,000 calls a year from members. It’s an information powerhouse which helps members every day.

RoadwayLive published a short Q&A piece highlighting some of the common questions the Helpdesk deal with.

If you’ve got a question for the Helpdesk, you can call 01274 863 100 for England and Wales or 01506 414073 for Scotland and Northern Ireland.