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RECENT AND IMMINENT LEGISLATION
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1997. CIF 1 October 1997. Require cab notices where the overall travelling height of the vehicle exceeds 3m and automatic warning devices from 1 April/1 October 1998 (dependent upon the age of the vehicle) when poweroperated high-level equipment is fitted.
The Vehicle Excise Duty (Immobilisation, Removal and Disposal of Vehicles) Regulations 1997. OF 3 November 1997. Introduces provisions for the immobilisation, removal and disposal of unlicensed motor vehicles found stationary on public roads in England and Wales, replacing earlier regulations. Includes Scotland from 15 June 1998.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. OF 1 October 1997. Requires all carriers of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses to obtain specific authorisations. The order cmplies to journeys by road, sea and air one includes provisions for travelling times and rest periods, The Motor Vehicles (Driving Licences) (Amendment) (No 5) Regulations 1997. CIF 1 January 1998. Requires that persons wishing to drive incomplete vehicles in working condition must be holders of the appropriate licence to drive goods vehicles of the equivalent weight, The Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1998. CIF 2 February 1998. Amends 1 986 C&U provision to include prevention of exhaust emissions (as well as noise) as a reason for switching off the engine of a stationary motor vehicle.
The Motor Vehicles (Type Approval) (Great Britain) (Amendment) (No 3) Regulation 1997. Amends Type Approval Regulations 1984 by postponing from January to May this year requirements for obligatory certificates. Another regulation similarly delays regulations regarding emissions from amateur-built vehicles.
The Road Vehicles (Statutory Off-Road Notification) Regulations 1997. CIF 15 January 1998. Requires vehicle keepers to notify the DVLA if they intend to keep a
vehicle off the road untaxed, and to declare where it will be kept.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No 3) Regulations 1997. CIF 1 July 1998. Amend regulation 36A of Construction and Use Regulations 1986 with regard to speed limiters on buses and coaches.
The Motor Vehicles (Approval) (Amendment) Regulations 1998. CIF 30 April 1998. Introduces further changes to the Motor Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 1996 affecting certificates of conformity and type approval certificates, The Traffic Signs (Temporary Obstructions) Regulations 1997. CIF 1 March 1998. Allows individuals to place specified traffic signs on roads in connection with-temporary obstructions, to warn other road users.
The Road Vehicles Registrat on Fee Regulations 1998. CIF 1 April 1998. Introduces an administration fee of 225 for the initial registration of all vehicles in the UK, with limited exceptions.
The Motor Vehicles (Driving ticei: .; (Amendment) (No 21 Regulations 1998 CIF 1 April 1998. Introduces increased fees for driving tests. Cars rise from £31 to 232.75; HGVs rise from 265 to £73.50.
The Finance Act 1997 (Commencernen. 2) Order 1998. OF 1 April 1998. Brings into effect Schedule 3 of the Act, with new regulations governing the display of VED licences on exempt vehicles.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Usei (Amendment) (No 3) Regulations 1998, CIF 1 June 1998. Introduce amendments affecting maximum length, turning circles, rear underrun protection and various other items.
The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) No 4) Regulations 1998. CIF 1 August 1998. Mechanical coupling devices in relation to light passenger vehicles (category M1) must be type approved and must comply with Directive 94/20/EC, CIF: Comes into force.
FUTURE LEGISLATION
• Drinking and driving: DOT is now considering proposals to lower the legal blood alcohol limit and other measures to reduce the number of accidents attributable to drink-driving.
• Second-generation tachographs: Common position reached by EU Transport Ministers on a framework regulation. Much technical detail still to be agreed. The earliest possible date for fitment to new vehicles is mid-2001.
• Dangerous goods safety advisers: EC Directive requiring companies involved in the transport or loading/unloading of dangerous goods to appoint a safety adviser by 31 December 1999. Implementing legislation due this December to allow time for the training
and examination of advisers. Consultation period closed on 3 July 1998.
• The White Paper on the Working Time Directive: Sets out proposals for applying the principles of the Directive to the excluded sectors, including road transport with unspecified new limits on driving time and other work. Consultation document now issued on the general application of the Directive in the UK.
• Animal Transport: New EU type approval measures proposed for the construction of vehicle bodywork. Likely implementation November 1998.
• Proposals for Approved Tank Requirements: To comply with EC ADR framework directive. Legislation required by 1 January 1999 for new approved tank requirements and appointing approved inspectors.
• Impounding of illegal vehicles: Consultation is now underway by the DOT to introduce impounding of vehicles operating without 0-licences.
• Diabetic drivers The DOT has recently announced .consultation on entitlements for diabetic drivers following public demand. Consultation closed 10 July 1998.
• Driving licence fees: New fee levels to be introduced shortly. First full licence, was free, now £6; HGV renewal, was £21, now £26.