Transport law for all
Page 8
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TWO-DAY transport law courses are currently being run by the Freight Transport Association at regional centres, and last week eight students were put through the hoops at Newbury, Berkshire.
The course — one of around 10 run by the FTA — is an intensive one, and explains the background as well as the detail of transport law, and last week's included aspects of traffic offences.
The new points system for endorsable offences was discussed at some length by Martin Castle, training services manager of the FTA.
Most offences now have a fixed number of penalty points to ensure fairness and simpler administration. However, there is a "discretionary range" which will apply to a few offences where the danger and gravity of the offence may vary considerably.
He also pointed out that road humps are scheduled for introduction next year and will be installed on certain roads subject to a 30mph limit. The humps, often referred to as sleeping policemen, will slow down traffic hitting the hump at more than 30mph. The FTA was concerned when the original measures were proposed, but has since accepted that no serious damage will be caused to heavy vehicles, unless they hit the hump at considerably more than 30mph.
Safety belts will be compulsory on January 31, 1983, Mr Castle reminded students. Doctors have been told to permit as few exemptions as possible. Pregnancy is not now a valid excuse, he said.
The course also looks at Statute and Case law, including Regulations, private legislation, private members' Bills, and binding precedents, as well as EEC Regulations and Directives.
Drivers' hours, records and tachographs were covered comprehensively, although a short test on drivers hours proved how difficult it is to grasp this subject.
The course fee is £120 plus vat.