FUTURE LEGISLATION
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• 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 invoked 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.
• 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: The DOT is now considering consultation replies with a view to introducing the impounding of vehicles operating without 0-licences.
• Driving test change The DSA is now considering consultation replies to its proposals for changes to the car practical driving test. Revisions expected from April this year.
• The Working Time Directive, The application of working time rules to the road transport industry is still under discussion. Regulations applying to most other employees in the UK came into force on 1 October.
• Vehicle Excise Duty: Major review of VED rates currently being undertaken by Government, based on the environmental impact of lorries. New fees to be announced in January to coincide with the introduction of revised HGV weights.
• Animal transport: The Ministry of Agriculture is inviting comments on new proposals for cleansing and disinfecting vehicles used for transporting animals.