Policy Wins - May 2023

DFI – Ban on tyres aged 10 years and older on HGVs, buses, coaches and minibuses

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced on 10 March 2023 that Northern Ireland (NI) will be aligning with GB by introducing a ban on tyres aged 10 years and older on the front axles of HGV’s, buses and coaches, and the tyres on all axles of minibuses when fitted in single configuration. The restriction will also apply to re-treaded tyres, where the date of re-treading will be used to determine the age of the tyre. Two groups of vehicles are to be exempt:

1. Those vehicles that are currently exempt from tyre roadworthiness regulations (including agricultural tractors that travel at low speeds) to remain consistent with existing legislation.

2. Historic vehicles that are currently exempt from roadworthiness testing, providing they are not used commercially.

Logistics UK had responded to the consultation which was launched in October 2022, when the business group strongly put forward members’ views on this subject. Logistics UK welcomed that a number of policy asks were included in this announcement, and will continue to engage with the Department on behalf of members.

Opening of Phase 2 of the new A6 dual carriageway from Dungiven to Drumahoe in NI

Last month the completion of Phase 2 of the upgrade to the A6 was finished, with the dual carriageway acting as a strategic economic and logistics corridor between Derry and Belfast. Logistics UK has been calling for this scheme for a number of years, and is delighted it will provide a shorter, safer and more reliable journey times for logistics businesses.

DVSA releases the 2023 update to the Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has now released the updated Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness (GTMR). Work on the revised GTMR started in early 2022 but its release has been delayed due to a number of issues being highlighted. Logistics UK has been fully involved in the review of the GTMR and with the help and support of its Engineering Forum members, has agreed a set of amendments that meet with the aspirations to improve roadworthiness, yet are reasonable in their implementation. The main revisions to note are:

• Changes to first-use inspections and interim safety checks.
• Changes to the procedures for returning vehicle/trailers to service following safety inspections.
• The requirements when towing others’ trailers – and the obligations on the owners of those trailers, including those that are non-UK.
• Brake test requirements.
• Checking of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the training of drivers on ADAS.
• Checking of outstanding defect recalls at the time of safety inspections.  

Published On: 04/05/2023 16:00:00

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