Longer semi trial: simpler reporting scheme welcomed
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By Derren Hayes INDUSTRY representatives have welcomed the Department for Transport’s (DfT) efforts to simplify reporting procedures for those taking part in the longer semi-trailer trial.
The DfT’s move comes after complaints from operators that the “onerous” volume of data participants were required to collect about the use of longer semi-trailers meant some were considering leaving the scheme (CM 10 May).
Under a new reporting framework, data can now be iled at depot-level instead of having to be submitted across an entire irm. Some data that was mandatory has now been made optional.
Andy Mair, the Freight Transport Association head of engineering policy, said the DfT had listened to operators’ concerns. “Some changes have come about as a result of feedback from members,” he said.
Jack Semple, director of policy at the Road Haulage Association, added: “We [told] the DfT that it was too onerous. The extent to which it has been simpliied is welcome.” Nigel Cook, MD of Consett, County Durham-based Elddis Transport, said anything that reduced the bureaucratic burden of the scheme would be helpful. He submitted 492 separate journey logs for his two longer semi-trailers in the previous reporting period (one of them was only running fulltime for a month). However, with 11 running at full capacity for the next four-month reporting period (September to December), this will rise to 5,000.
In a letter sent to trial participants last month, Deborah Phelan, senior policy manager at the DfT, apologised for the complexity of the initial reporting framework and for the DfT’s failure to explain why certain data needed to be collected.
“With hindsight, those of us setting up the trial were so immersed in the detail that we probably couldn’t see the wood for the trees. I hope this will restore the balance,” she wrote.