The state of our roads and an up coming deadline

State-of-the-roads

The state of our roads and an up coming deadline

The RHA (Road Haulage Association) says:

“To keep the economy moving and competitive, our industry needs robust infrastructure which is fit for purpose. We need a network of roads in place which are safe and reliable – with capacity to accommodate future growth in demand.

Congestion costs the UK economy approximately £30.8 billion which works out at an average cost per driver of £968 a year and for our sector, this can have real consequences where congestion is estimated to account for 16% of all outlays in road freight. “

It has issued a Blueprint document, making  it clear that it’s crucial that the Government invests in our road network soon and speeds up delivery of road projects at all levels; from pothole repairs to bypasses to major infrastructure.

“A more reliable road network in place will improve journeys, reduce costs for operators, tackle congestion and unlock economic growth through better connectivity between UK towns and cities.”

The RHA is also reminding drivers that those who gained their Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) before 2019, the deadline to renew in September is fast approaching.

Drivers must complete 35 hours of CPC every five years and the deadline to complete the CPC training for many is Monday 9 September.

Missing the deadline will mean they cannot drive professionally and face fines of up to £1000 if they do so.

New safety standard for hauliers driving in London launches in October

New-Safety-Standards

New safety standard for hauliers driving in London launches in October

The new Direct Vision Standard safety criteria are designed to meet Transport for London’s (TfL) Progressive Safe System (PSS).

The RHA has an explanatory document which sets out what a Blind Spot Information System and Moving Off Information System should do.

It can be found here https://bit.ly/DVSExp

Hauliers should have the PSS kit installed in their vehicles by October 28 after the RHA successfully negotiated for a three-month extension with TfL.

Full details of the scheme and its requirements are also on the TfL website here https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/deliveries-in-london/delivering-safely/direct-vision-in-heavy-goods-vehicles#on-this-page-5

The new London vehicle charges

Low-Emission-Zone

The new London vehicle charges

We have a new truck that will enable us to comply with new anti-pollution legislation introduced in London!

There were just two months’ notice before Transport for London introduced the new ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone).

While it is understandable that given the publicity about the toxic atmosphere that is believed to have been causing many people, particularly children, to suffer from asthma and especially given the recent Extinction Rebellion demonstrations in the city to highlight the problems of climate change the new charges have added a cost burden to many businesses that have to drive into the zone to make deliveries

It operates within the same area as the Congestion Charge, which is payable as well. The Congestion Charge is an £11.50 daily charge for driving a vehicle within the charging zone between 07:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. 

To be ULEZ compliant, a vehicle has to be Euro6 compliant, which means it has to have a 66 (or newer) registration, in other words be no older than September 2016.

The ULEZ charge operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Most vehicles are subject to the daily £12.50 rate, including vans up to 3.5 tonnes, minibuses and motorcycles. However, for lorries above 3.5 tonnes the charge is £100 per day.

Failure to pay the ULEZ charge will incur significant fines. It is set at £160 (reduced to £80 if you pay within 14 days)

Many people do not realise that there is also a LEZ. The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) was set up to encourage the most polluting heavy diesel vehicles driving in the Capital to become cleaner. It covers most of Greater London and operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Charging days run from midnight to midnight – if you drive within the LEZ between 23:30 and 01:00 the next day, you’d need to pay for two days.

This website explains about the zones, charges and registering your vehicle.