Roadway Update 15 May 2019

VED payment issue fix

DVSA has brought in a temporary fast-track system to fix payment transaction issues after RHA members reported difficulties re-taxing vehicles.

DVSA have told the RHA that an IT issue is delaying roadworthiness test data appearing on their system – especially on vehicles tested towards the end of a month – which is causing the problems. Some members report multiple vehicle application issues.

The RHA would like to thank it's members for their feedback. It provided a valuable insight into the scale of the problem, which was passed on to DVSA who are working on a permanent fix.

Members still experiencing issues should contact Tom Cotton.

High-capacity vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions

The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) have said that moving to high-capacity freight vehicles could result in impressive carbon emission reductions.

In a recent report they say that larger HGVS (up to 32 meters in length) would decrease emissions by around 27 percent. ACEA calls for a high-capacity transport system across Europe to support adoption of the vehicles.

The RHA are campaigning for the government to consider adopting higher-capacity vehicles where they can be shown to be safer and more efficient than vehicles working within current weight limits.

“Roads must work for everyone”

Duncan Buchanan, the RHA's policy director for England and Wales, appeared on Sky News last week to speak about British Cycling’s State of Cycling 2019 report.

He said that all road users have a responsibility to look out for their own safety and the safety of others, and that policy makers must ensure that roads are fit for purpose and suitable for all. This includes fixing the roads and making sure road space is shared properly rather than simply taken away from one group and given to another.

The RHA continues to work with policy makers and lobbyists to argue for properly planned and maintained roads.

Birmingham CAZ impact

Find out how the Birmingham Clean Air Zone will affect hauliers and what support is available at an event next week.

Birmingham City Council is hosting the session on Wednesday 22 May between 0900hrs – 1100hrs.

Venue: National College for High Speed Rail Ltd, 2 Lister Street, Birmingham, B7 4AG.

Book your free place; more events will follow in June and July.

M23 Gatwick closure

Gatwick Airport traffic will be diverted through Junction 10 of the M23 this weekend.

Junction 9 will be closed from Friday 2200hrs to Sunday midday for smart motorway upgrade work. The M23 main carriageway will remain open in both directions.

For the latest closures see Highways England's website.