We want to make it easier for you ROAD HAULAGE
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is one of the most competitive sectors in the transport industry, and during these tough economic times, the last thing operators need is time-wasting regulation. That's why the government has been working to get rid of unnecessary red tape. We have announced plans to scrap or improve more than 140 road transport regulations.
But we want to go further. The more time truck drivers spend on the road — and the less time sitting at a desk dealing with paperwork — the better it will be for hauliers. Digitachs have made it easier to record drivers' hours, and ensure they are taking sufficient breaks to stay safe on our roads. But to simplify the process even more, I have announced proposals that mean we will no longer require bus and lorry drivers to return their tacho cards to the DVLA each time they change address.
The DVLA handles around 20,000 notifications of change of address on tacho cards every year. The existing process is complex and time-consuming for drivers. They have to complete two change of address applications; one for their tacho card and another for their driving licence. Then they must wait for the new card to arrive before sending the old one back to the DVLA to be destroyed. This is because the driver's address is shown on the front of the tacho card.
Of course, lorry drivers will still have to tell the DVLA they have moved, just in case it needs to get in touch with them. But by removing the address from the card, drivers will no longer need to send their card back to the DVLA. This will free up time and save the cost of printing and posting 20,000 cards a year.
The DVLA is working with drivers and the sector to ensure the changes meet their needs. Twill be particularly interested in the response from CM readers. But I'm confident this simple initiative will be welcomed. We hope to introduce it before the end of this year.
Stephen Hammond Roads minister Ed's note: Please send your views on this subject to christopher.walton@roadtransport corn and we will pass them on to the DfT.