FUTURE LEGISLATION
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• Underrun protection: The European Commission has published proposals for the fitting of underrun bumpers to new vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes GVW.
• Dangerous goods transport: Fundamental changes to the rules and complex transitional arrangements are in the pipeline from next July onward for the various modes of transport. The first regulations to be affected will govern air freight.
• Working Time Di•ective EU transport ministers have finally agreed a common position on a draft directive applying working time rules to goods and passenger vehicle drivers.The draft directive is now being considered by the European Parliament. The main directive as amended will apply to non-mobile employees no later than August 2003.
• Trailer registration The DVLA has announced proposals to introduce registration requirements for trailers over 1,020kg unladen weight. The regulations, which are likely to be retrospective, are intended to assist crime prevention.
• Driving tests: The Driver Standards Agency has issued a document inviting comments on European Commission proposals on changes to driving tests. These include an enhanced theory test for vocational drivers as well as the use of larger and heavier vehicles.
• Trade plates: The DVLA has issued a consultation document on the design and display of trade plates and trade licences; responses are requested by 15 June.
• Discussion paper The DoT/HSE have published a discussion paper seeking comments on road traffic accidents that are connected to work. Many employees are exposed to risks from traffic. Copies are available from the USE on 020 7177 6841/6059.
• Consultation paper: The USE has published a consultation paper seeking views on proposals for a new duty on employers to investigate accidents, dangerous incidents and diseases. The USE claims reporting levels for accidents at the workplace are poor, and causes need to be better understood if improvements are to be implemented. For more details contact the USE on 020 7717 6426.