Roadway Update 26 June 2019

Doctors on Wheels medicals

DVLA are no longer accepting medical reports on lorry drivers from the company Doctors on Wheels (DoW).

The department said that any DoW driver medical report received by the DVLA after 20 June will not be accepted and a new application will need to be submitted.

DVLA have said "We will prioritise any applications received by those who need to resubmit another D4 as a result of these investigations. Please note we cannot reimburse any fees paid for the D4 medical report to be completed.”

The RHA fully supports the DVLA’s action, having received a number of claims that D4 medicals were not being completed properly and fit-to-drive notices were being incorrectly submitted.

Read the full story on RoadwayLive.

Consultation to ban tyres over 10 years old

DfT is planning to ban the use of tyres aged 10 years and older on all HGVs. A consultation is now open until 1 September, asking for views on the plan.

This ban follows other measures put in place in 2012 and advice from DVSA. Guidance on maintaining roadworthiness said tyres over 10 years old should not be used on the front axles of heavy goods vehicles.

The RHA is concerned that the focus on tyre age should not detract from the much more serious issue of ensuring that tyres are always kept in good condition. The consultation can be accessed online.

M27 closure changes

Major changes are being made to planned diversions for the closure of the M27 between junction 2 and 3 this weekend (28 June to 1 July).

The RHA is concerned at the late delivery of this crucial information, having only been notified this week of the new diversion route which is significantly shorter than the one earlier this year.

Maps are not available at the time of writing, due to contactors being unable to provide them.

The RHA advises operators to check routes they intend to use beforehand. The RHA will be following this up with Highways England.

Clean Air Zone survey

The RHA has been asked by consultants working for DEFRA to promote a survey on how lorry operators would prefer to pay Clean Air Zone charges.

If you are an operator concerned about CAZ charging and have 5 minutes to answer 5 questions you can have your say online.

The RHA is still actively campaigning on the excessive nature of the Governments CAZ policy and the targeting of lorries. You can support our campaign and express any concerns you have through a template letter to your MP.

Brexit – Road Transport Agreements

The Government continues to work on Brexit solutions. DfT has informed the RHA of progress with the signing of Road Transport Agreements with Eastern European countries. These agreements cover access rights for road haulage operations, but don’t cover access rights through intervening states, eg. EU members.

Serbia – agreement now in place.
Permits are not required for freight transport between the UK and Serbia, this also allows transit journeys to or from a third state.

Ukraine - the existing agreement will be amended.
Permits will no longer be required for journeys involving vehicles with Euro V or VI engines.

Belarus and Kazakhstan - Road Transport Agreement have been signed.
Processes to give legal effect to the existing informal arrangements will be completed shortly. Permits will still be required for journeys between our two countries.

Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro - DfT has recently reached agreement with these countries on permit-free arrangements for road freight transport. The agreements have not yet been signed formally, but they have been initialled indicating the drafting has been substantially completed. Once signed, agreement procedures will be completed.

RoadwayTV

The RHA has released the sixth episode of RoadwayTV - your new news and feature round-up from the voice of the industry. This week: a proposed Low Emission Zone in Edinburgh, an update to International Driving permits, and climate change.