Roadway Update 12 June 2019

Changes for international driving permits

A number of countries have confirmed UK drivers won’t need an International Driving Permit in the event of ‘no-deal’ Brexit.

Sadly, this doesn’t include currently include France, the Netherlands or Italy. However, this may be subject to change in coming months.

UK drivers with photocard licences will be able to drive temporarily (enough for international haulage work) through 20 European countries without an International Driving Permit.

These are: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland.

An International Drivers Permit will still be needed to drive to, from or through:Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden.

The RHA has published a revised Brexit checklist with links to Government information on the various rules for each country.

Ashford parking ban set to become permanent

Kent councillors have voted to go ahead with plans to permanently ban overnight truck parking in parts of Ashford, Kent.

Trucks are set to be banned from laybys on a five-mile stretch of the A20 between Charing and Ashford, and at four industrial estates in the borough. The move follows an 18-month clamping trial at the sites which have seen trucks fined an excessive £150 release fee plus a penalty charge notice.

The RHA has formally objected to the move and is critical of local authority inertia for a shortfall of more than 1,000 lorry parking spaces in the county.

Edinburgh Low Emission Zone

The City of Edinburgh Council wants to hear your views on their plans to improve air quality.

They’re consulting on proposals to introduce a low emission zone by December 2020.

They want to know what you think about key aspects of their plans including the proposed boundaries, vehicle types, grace periods and how the LEZ could affect your business.

Read the full story on RoadwayLive.

IRU European driver shortage survey

The IRU (International Routiers Union) is gathering information on the driver shortage.

It’s looking at the UK and other EU countries, trying to understand the driver shortage in both the freight and passenger transport sectors.

The data collected from this survey will be used as a starting point to define future trends.

The 12 question survey can be accessed online.

Abnormal loads portal

Highways England has published a new guide for hauliers using the online Electronic Service Delivery for Abnormal Loads (ESDAL) portal.

The guide contains step by step instructions on how to use the portal, including links to documents needed to obtain essential accounts.

The ESDAL system allows hauliers to make abnormal load notifications.

EU settlement ID scanners

A new postcode checker which locates biometric ID scanners has been launched.

EU staff looking to apply for settled status can now find their closest scan centre online.

Staff can make an appointment to scan ID documents when applying to the EU Settlement Scheme (if they dont have access to an Android phone with Near Field Communication).