Q): We have 3.5t vans carrying petrol and diesel mowers, strimmers and grounds equipment. We are using 20 litre jerry cans to fuel this equipment, and they are strapped in the rear of the vehicle. Is there anything else we have to do?
A): Under the ‘exemptions related to the nature of the transport operation’, a vehicle can carry up to 333 litres of petrol or 1,000 litres of diesel, or a combination of both, and the packages must not exceed 450 litres. Further calculations would have to take place if you wished to carry multiple fuels in these quantities. Each jerry can would need markings (similar to the picture below) to demonstrate it is a package approved by the UN. Each jerry can should be secured in the upright position to avoid spillages and the vehicle should be well ventilated. If not, then a sign should be displayed near the doors to say ‘WARNING NO VENTILATION - OPEN WITH CAUTION’.
Noise Pollution
Q): We have had a complaint from the housing estate near by saying that our vehicles reversing alarms should be switched off during nighttime operations. Is this correct and could there be any implications?
A): The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, regulation 99 (1) (b) states that a vehicle operator shall not sound, or cause or permit to be sounded, any horn, gong, bell or siren fitted to or carried on a vehicle which is stationary or in motion between the hours of 23:30 hours and 07:00 hours the following morning. Failing to comply could see sanctions against the operator’s licence as well as fines of up to £20,000 for commercial entities.
