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FUTURE LEGISLATION

17th November 1994
Page 28
Page 28, 17th November 1994 — FUTURE LEGISLATION
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• "Bridge bashing"—proposals for in-cab height signs for vehicles over 3m; warning systems for vehicles with high level power operated equipment; and notification to highway authorities of vehicles/loads above 4.88m. Still under discussion and likely to be significantly modified • EC drivers' hours and tachographs—the European Commission has authorised the UK to grant limited exemptions from the provisions for vehicles used exclusively within airports and for Police escorted abnormal load carrying vehicles. Legislation awaited. *Operator licensing—maior changes to the 0-Licence system included in Deregulation Bill; Royal Assent expected shortly but implementation unlikely before late 1995.

• Amendments to food hygiene regulations—new regulations to be laid before Parliament in January will largely replace existing food hygiene legislation, incorporate new general requirements (with specific rules For transport) and simplify temperature controls applying in England and Wales.

• Review of UK domestic drivers' hours legislation—proposals for deregulation still under consideration by the Department of Transport.

• Vehicle excise duty—continuous licensing for vehicles even if laid up off the public road. DVLA propose to include goods vehicles up to 12 tonnes gvw as well as cars and light vans. Formal consultation expected soon; implementation proposed for 1997.

• Implementation of second EC directive on driver licensing—the EC directive is to be introduced on 1 July 1996. Measures currently under consultation include the introduction of staged testing and a theory element in the driving test and the effective lowering of the LGV threshold to 3.5 tonnes for new drivers. Includes a requirement to introduce photocard driving licences

• Dangerous goods transport—revision of UK dangerous goods vehicle operator legislation to align with ADR agreement, as required by proposed EC directive. Draft legislation expected spring 1995, possible implementation July 1996.

• Width limit—proposed increase on current width limit of vehicles from 2.5m to 2.55m primarily to allow use of automatic loading equipment for standard pallets. Limit of 2.6m for refrigerated vehicles unchanged. Under consultation. • Height limit—proposal to remove 4.2m height limit presently applying to vehicles over 35 tonnes with fixed bodywork. Under consultation.

• London Local Authorities Bill—includes pow ers for local authority officers in London to stop

vehicles and conduct emission tests Bill presently in draft form.

• Eyesight requirements—proposals for changes to rules for vocational drivers which will affect some existing drivers.

EC legislative initiatives

• Vehicle weights and dimensions—harmonisation throughout EU.

• Second generation tachographs—addition of smart card unit to existing tachograph. Amending regulation formally adopted by Commission. Under consultation; EU ministers may reach a decision in mid-1995.

• Rood transport taxation—Council of Ministers decision on minimum VED rates, road user charges and liberalisation of cabo/age operations.

• Carbon tax on Fossil fuels—agreement not yet reached by EU Governments. UK government remains opposed.

• Dangerous goads—Draft directive on the appointment of risk prevention officers by companies involved in packing, loading, unloading or storage of dangerous goods. RPOs would require mandatory training and refresher training. Agreement possible in 1995 with implementation in 1996/97.

• Dangerous goods—ADR framework directive. Harmonisation of dangerous goods transport regulations—proposed directive to align domestic requirements with ADR agreement. "Common position" reached at June Council of Transport Ministers meeting. Possible adoption of directive in November. Implementation likely by 1997.

• Dangerous goods--EU Quality Assurance

Scheme. The European Standards Organisation (CEN) mandated by the Commission to develop a quality assurance standard for all dangerous goods carriers with existing Dutch standards being used as a base test for development. CEN Technical Committee 320 (TC320) has established a working group to develop the standard. Freight Transport Association coordinating UK Working Group activities. Commission requires presentation of draft CEN standard by July 1995.


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