Roadway Update 22 May 2019

Smart tachographs required

Vehicles first registered on or after 15 June 2019 that require a tachograph will need to have a type 1C unit - also known as a smart tachograph.

Drivers of vehicles which fail to have one fitted or have the wrong type of tachograph could face enforcement action.

You can read more on drivers hours rules, which require the fitting of tachographs.

Abnormal Indivisible Loads ban

The RHA has raised concerns with the DfT over an abnormal loads ban in Greater Manchester.

Restrictions have been placed on the movement of loads within the GM area (excluding the M6 and M58) between 0630-0930hrs and 1530-1830hrs, Monday to Friday.

The ban was introduced without consulting the Association and starts 30 minutes earlier than adjoining West Yorkshire and Merseyside restrictions.

The RHA is now waiting for a response from the DfT.

Direct Vision Standard consultation

Transport for London are consulting on conditions attached to the HGV Safety Permit Scheme.

The scheme will apply to all HGVs over 12 tonnes GVW that do not meet the minimum one-star DVS rating. This final consultation can be found on TfL’s website and closes tomorrow (23 May).

The RHA have opposed this TfL legislation from the start. The benefits will be minimal, which is confirmed by TfL’s own cost-benefit ratio. Legislation of this type should be of an agreed international standard and introduced at national, not local government level.

Driver disqualification

Traffic Commissioner Simon Evans has revoked the professional licence of a driver who was recorded filming other traffic on the M60 in Manchester while driving his truck. At one point, the driver held his phone out of the window to film a group of bikers travelling on the motorway.

The Traffic Commissioner decided his conduct had fallen seriously below the required standards of a professional driver. The driver was disqualified for three months and his vocational entitlements were removed.

Read the full story on RoadwayLive.

Vehicle Excise Duty

Two weeks ago RHA members exposed the difficulty of renewing excise duty. Despite DVSA assurances this situation would be resolved, some members are still experiencing problems.

Any operators still having difficulties should contact their ATF, who will speak to the DVSA network business manager to fix the problem.

Catch up with the full story on RoadwayLive.