FUTURE LEGISLATION
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Forthcoming changes in the law in association with the Freight Transport Association Northern Ireland O-licensing reform The Department of the Environment has introduced primary legislation to mirror the British system, including the introduction of restricted licensing for own-account carriage for the first time. The changes are expected to begin in early 2012.
Conspicuity markings The introduction of additional outline reflective markings on goods vehicles was originally due to come into force on 10 October 2009, but was postponed in September 2009 to be introduced from 10 July 2011. The UN Technical Committee has published the requirements in an amendment to R48, which will apply additional side and rear markings to new goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and new trailers over 3.5 tonnes. At this stage, there are no plans to introduce the requirement to passenger vehicles or to require retrofitment.
Digital tachograph changes European legislation amends the technical specification of the digital tachograph. This includes an increase in the number of company locks from 20 to 255, changes to the way in which driving and activity is recorded, and establishes common test specifications for printout paper in October 2011. To detect tampering, information from the motion sensor will be checked against vehicle data, and any discrepancies will be logged as faults from October 2012.
O-licensing changes Harmonised licensing rules for international operators and transport managers will be introduced on 4 December 2011. Key changes are the introduction of a panEuropean database, merging of National and International Transport Manager CPCs, and restrictions on part-time transport managers. These access to the occupation regulations limit external transport managers from being named on more than four undertakings’ licences with a combined total maximum fleet of 50 vehicles.
Agency worker regulations A European directive provides for the equal treatment of temporary agency workers in relation to basic working and employment conditions, access to permanent employment and amenities (such as child-care facilities), and to improve access to training. The directive requires member states to implement it no later than 5 December 2011, but UK legislation comes into force on 1 October.
Vehicle test changes The items inspected at annual test are being reviewed, driven by a change in European law. Extra items will be included, such as airbags, main-beam tell-tale and EBS. The DfT and VOSA are engaging with industry to find the best ways of meeting the new requirements while minimising the impact on the annual test.
Tyre labelling An EU regulation (1222/2009) requires all new tyres on sale in Europe to be classified and labelled for fuel efficiency, wet grip and noise performance. The labelling will be similar to that required for household appliances. Potential buyers will be able to compare tyre characteristics before making a purchase. Like the European energy label, the tyre label will use classes ranging from bestperformance (green ‘A’ class) to worst (red ‘G’ class). Besides indicating how much the tyre affects the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, it will also give information about its performance in wet conditions and its external rolling noise in decibels.