ISSUE 37, JANUARY 2012

MOVING ON

WWW.VOSA.GOV.UK/MOVING-ON

BE WISE THIS WINTER

uuuThe free newspaper for HGV and PSV drivers and operators
Page 2 News in brief Myth of the moment Page 3 Changes to tacho fees New Year: New Manual

IMAGE COURTESY OF HIGHWAYS AGENCY

Page 4 Changes to O-licensing Page 6 Euro Road Safety 2020

The Highways Agency is ready for winter a fleet of over 500 winter service vehicles is on standby and the Met Of fice is providing vital information from the National Traf fic Operations Centre.
Although the last two years have seen more severe weather than this country has experienced for a long while, theres no telling what this winter will bring. So far, the forecast looks reasonable. But its always best to be prepared for the worst. The Highways Agency will provide a high degree of support this winter. An alert status system is in operation to help hauliers and drivers of goods and high-sided vehicles respond to warnings of severe weather. There are two levels of alert, red and amber: u An amber alert advises drivers that traffic conditions are highly likely to be affected by the weather. Drivers should then monitor traffic and travel radio bulletins and consider using a different route. u A red alert will only be issued in the case of exceptionally severe weather. Drivers of goods and high-sided vehicles should leave the network and find a safe place to park. Drivers will be updated on the alert status through traffic reports on the radio, and through the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and Road Haulage Association (RHA) membership networks. When a severe weather warning is issued by the Met Office, the Highways Agency will provide advice through radio bulletins, television, on their website www.highways.gov.uk, and via the overhead electronic messaging signs. Drivers can help the Highways Agency and emergency services to maintain or restore normality to the road network as quickly as possible during periods of severe weather by observing these alerts. Visit www.highways.gov.uk/ knowledge/ to find more advice on preparing for the winter weather.

Page 7 Get your DQC cost free A slice of life

Red
Goods vehicle drivers should leave the road network and find a safe place to park up, and wait until the status is reduced to Amber.

Amber
Make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for severe weather. Keep up to date with local weather conditions. If possible, use a different route to avoid the area of severe weather.

Page 8 Drivers hours on YouTube

www.businesslink.gov.uk/transport

Moving On, January 2012

www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

HARIJS A / SHUTTERSTOCK

From the editor

NEWS IN BRIEF
Government slashes motoring red tape
Drivers are to be released from reams of red tape currently required by government, announces Transport Secretary Justine Greening. operators when needed. Justine Greening says Motorists should not have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance we live in the digital age and we need to embrace that.
PICSFIVE / SHUTTERSTOCK WOAISS / SHUTTERSTOCK

Hello readers,
Happy New Year! 2012 will see a number of changes to way we at VOSA engage with you, as more and more of our services are delivered online. Well also be sending more information out by email. Those of you signed up to our email bulletin Latest VOSA News will already be getting more information from VOSA in this way. But even these customers will see an improvement.We are expanding and re-branding this service as VOSA Direct. Customers can now use subscriber preferences to choose which areas of industry they want to hear about. If youve not already done so, sign up to receive Moving On to your inbox instead of your doormat just visit www. dft.gov.uk/vosa to subscribe your email and pick the topics that interest you. Those of you less confident about your computer skills should not worry! Visit http:// raceonline2012.org for tips and tools to help organisations and individuals champion computer skills in their industry. Safe driving, Jessie VanBeck Keep your letters coming in to: The Editor Moving On VOSA Berkeley House Croydon Street Bristol BS5 0DA or email: movingon@vosa.gov.uk Design: Zal Tehrani This newsletter, along with previous issues, can be viewed as a pdf on the VOSA website: www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on printed on 100% recycled newsprint

Autumn and winter see a dramatic increase in accidents involving more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, partly due to the winter clock

LOOK TWICE!
change. Drivers should look twice to make sure these more vulnerable road users are not in danger when manoeuvring their vehicles in more built up areas or on smaller roads.

Among other things, the Department for Transport will be scrapping the regulation requiring motorists to hold Visit www.redtapechallenge. a paper counterpart to their cabinetoffice.gov.uk to find driving licence and only issuing out more. hard-copies of V5C vehicle registration certificates for fleet

TRAFFIC OFFICER SERVICE WINS ROAD SAFETY AWARD

Last November, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to road safety, the Highways Agencys Traffic Officer Service was presented with the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award. Routinely tested by incidents ranging from debris on the carriageway to the effects of some of the most severe winter conditions in decades, the Traffic Officer Service makes a significant contribution to the safety of Britains major roads. They handle around half a million incidents a year on Englands strategic road network, attending to vulnerable motorists, making sure that vehicles are recovered, setting warning signs and signals and helping people involved in collisions and other incidents. Traffic officers are often first on the scene when a crash occurs and play a key role in supporting the emergency services in dealing with incidents on the road network.

Open access ATF data

A list of open-access facilities offering large vehicle testing services is now available on the governments central data store www.data.gov.uk This site brings together Government data in a single searchable website. The data source provides names, contact details and opening times of ATFs and DPs that offer open-access testing. Visit www.data.gov.uk/dataset/ uk-open-access-non-vosa-sites to find the information.

New horsebox guide

Working in partnership with equestrian organisations including The British Horse Society, Horse & Hound and The Pony Club, VOSA has produced A guide for horsebox and trailer owners to help them stay compliant with the rules. Visit www.vosa.gov.uk/ horsebox-guide to download your copy of the new guide.

Be smart carry your card

Once issued, a Driver Digital Tachograph Smartcard forms part of your working records and must be carried whenever you drive a vehicle on a tachograph-regulated journey even if your vehicle has an analogue tachograph. The examiner will need to see it as it is the only way to prove that you have not used it. Failure to carry your card can result in a fixed penalty for 200 and the immobilisation of your vehicle until you can produce it.

MYTH of the

MOMENT
VOSA has to pull me over to find out if my vehicle is overloaded
Reality: Using weigh in motion systems, VOSA can now identify overloaded vehicles without having to pull them over at the roadside. A word of warning will be issued directly to the operator, giving them the chance to review their loading practices and make sure future journeys are carried Download your copy of Overloading the basics from www.vosa.gov.uk/overloadingthe-basics to make sure your vehicle meets the loading regulations.

out within the regulations before more punitive action is taken.

Got a question, need some friendly advice or want to report a dodgy operator? Ring the VOSA national number 0300 123 9000

CHANGES TO TACHO FEES

Following consultation with industry, the fee for calibration and periodic inspection of tachographs was deregulated on 1 January 2012. involved in the inspection and calibration of tachographs u Remove the need for future Government involvement in fee setting u Incentivise companies considering becoming an Approved Tachograph Centre From now on, the fee charged by Approved Tachograph Centres will be a commercial matter to be agreed with the customer presenting the vehicle. VOSAs Chief Executive Alastair Peoples says Deregulation will benefit the industry, giving tachograph centres the opportunity to recoup their costs while providing a more flexible service to the customers. It is expected that deregulation of the fee will: u Allow Approved Tachograph Centres and vehicle operators to negotiate a fair fee for the calibration and inspection of tachographs u Result in geographical variations in cost being accounted for u Better support vehicle operators looking to have tachographs calibrated during unsociable hours u Future-proof calibration/inspection against technological changes which will affect how much work will be

www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

Moving On, January 2012

Visit www.vosa.gov.uk/closedconsultations/tachograph-feederegulation for a summary of the consultation responses.

NEW YEAR:
NEW MANUAL
As we approach the New Year, vehicle presenters are reminded that there are some changes coming to the annual test in 2012. These changes will be introduced into the test as advisories for the first three months, to allow maintainers, preparers and presenters time to become familiar with them. Remember, the changes affect many different parts of the test including brakes, steering/suspension, lights and other areas that are new to the test. Vehicle presenters will benefit from paying careful attention during the three month advisory period, so that they can help to ensure vehicles brought in for test after the advisory period is over are prepared for the changes. The changes resulting from the Testing Directive take effect on 1 January 2012. Dont forget that until spring 2012 well be issuing pass and advise for many of the new items but be cautious when presenting vehicles later on! We will start failing vehicles if we find these defects after the advisory period but well give you plenty of notice of the exact cut-off point. Visit www.vosa.gov.uk/ vehicle-testing-manualsand-guides for a look at the new Inspection Manuals. The technical pen pictures describing the changes will remain at www.vosa.gov.uk/ vehicle-testing-manualsand-guides for a few months to sum up the changes. A training presentation and notes can be found on the same site to help you understand the changes.

JOE GOUGH / SHUTTERSTOCK

www.businesslink.gov.uk/transport

Moving On, January 2012

CHAN O-LIC
www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on
A new national register of operators and transport managers has been created in the UK. The UK register will contain information from GB, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar and will be connected electronically to registers in other EU member states to improve the flow of important information about operators and transport managers.

The changes we Since 4 Decem holding standar transport mana

Who the register applies to

The new national register applies to: u Road haulage operators with O-licences in Great Britain, already within the scope of the existing European Community legislation and who provide hire or reward services. u Operators of road vehicles designed to carry ten or more people (including the driver) with O-licences in Great Britain who carry passengers for hire or reward under a standard licence within the UK and the European Community. Northern Ireland has its own O-licensing regime for both goods and passenger vehicles, and will provide its own information for the UK register.

Got a question, need some friendly advice or want to report a dodgy operator? Ring the VOSA national number 0300 123 9000

STOCKLITE / SHUTTERSTOCK

NGES TO CENSING
www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

Moving On, January 2012

eve been telling you about are finally here. mber 2011, the rules on applying for and rd O-licences changed, as did the rules for agers.
What do you have to do now?
Last September, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner sent questionnaires out to all standard O-licence holders listed within the operator licensing database. For most of you, the return of the questionnaire is all that will be needed. The questionnaire has been designed so that each operator can provide the information required for the national register and show that they are compliant with the new EU Regulations. Most operators have responded to the questionnaire, but there are still a number who have not yet done so. It is vital that the outstanding questionnaires are completed and returned immediately. If you hold a standard O-licence but have not yet received a letter and questionnaire, email enquiries@vosa.gov.uk or telephone VOSA on 0300 123 9000 to let us know.

Transport managers
Transport managers with Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC) do not need to take any action as their qualifications remain valid. Those with National CPC only may upgrade to International in 2012 if they wish, but it is not a requirement of the EU Regulation. Transport managers with recognised trade body CPC exemptions should have received new numbered certificates from their trade body by now. If you expect a certificate but havent yet received it, contact your trade body. Transport manager acquired rights have replaced transport manager grandfather rights. Grandfather rights holders on an operators licence will normally receive an acquired rights certificate in response to a completed operator questionnaire. Grandfather rights holders not on a standard operator licence who want to gain acquired rights will need to make an application before December 2013. Visit www.dft.gov.uk/publications/ transport-manager-acquired-rights for your acquired rights application form
ELENA MOISEEVA / SHUTTERSTOCK

Return your questionnaire

You must complete and return your questionnaire, along with your declaration of compliance, to show the Office of the Traffic Commissioner that you are operating in accordance with the new EU Regulations that became effective on 4 December 2011. Failure to return your questionnaire may result in regulatory action being taken against your licence. If you hold a standard O-licence but have not yet received a letter and questionnaire, email enquiries@vosa.gov.uk or telephone VOSA on 0300 123 9000 to let us know. These changes have been introduced by EU Regulations EC 1071/2009, 1072/2009 and 1073/2009. Visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/nationalregister for further information about these changes and the effect on standard O-licence holders, including a list of FAQs. Visit www. vosa.gov.uk/operator-licensing-guides for a more detailed explanation of the rules in VOSAs Goods Vehicle Operator Licensing guide or email enquiries@vosa.gov.uk for advice.

Small Trailers
Since 4 December 2011, small trailers towed by a vehicle under 3.5 tonnes and used for hire or reward are no longer exempt from operator licensing. Therefore, if you are carrying other peoples goods for hire or reward (e.g. working as a courier or freight transport business), the weight calculation must now include any trailer attached (irrespective of the trailers weight). If the vehicle and trailer combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes gross plated weight or where there is no plated weight, exceeds an unladen weight of more than 1525 kg a standard O-licence will be required. The original exemption for a trailer with an unladen weight of less than 1,020kg still applies as before where the person using it is not carrying other peoples goods for hire or reward. In such cases, the weight of the trailer can be ignored for the purposes of adding up the total gross weights or unladen weights to determine whether an operators licence is required.

MARIDAV / SHUTTERSTOCK

www.businesslink.gov.uk/transport

Moving On, January 2012

www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

EURO ROAD SAFETY 2020

While all the talk about the EU at the moment is economic crises in the Eurozone, it may have escaped your notice that the European Parliament issued a resolution to the Commission concerning European road safety on 27 September 2011.
I make resolutions every year and break most of them within a few days you might say, So what? But this resolution sets out the EUs approach to road safety to the end of 2020, so it may be worth taking a look at whats in it that will affect VOSAs relationship with the heavy vehicle industry: ethos we should never stop learning. The resolution suggests that novice drivers, in particular, need better education, especially on the role of tyres, their maintenance and their use. More attention should also be given to all drivers about motorcycles and scooters particularly around their visibility. This concept is now familiar to us in the guise of CPC.

Safer vehicles
What about the compulsory fitment of alcolocks on all commercial passenger and goods vehicles? The Commission is expected to have a Directive proposal ready by 2013! Other juicy proposals include: u better passive safety (under-run, car vs truck crash compatibility) u improved seat belt reminder systems u fatigue warning systems u protect those dealing with hybrid electric high voltage systems, especially when accident-damaged u technical checks of accident-damaged vehicles prior to re-entry into service u common tyre tread depth and pressure standards and a common specification for tyre pressure monitoring systems u fit all trucks with special rear-view mirrors or camera systems to cover blind spots u standard fitment of air conditioning to trucks that work with the engine off to guarantee rest for the driver.

The biggie is the establishment of a single European area, testing all vehicles to strict and uniform standards such that certificates can be mutually recognised in any member state. So we can expect a UK-registered, Swedish-made truck to be tested in Latvia and taxed through DVLA in Britain!

Hi-viz
The resolution also proposes to make compulsory the carrying of hi-visibility warning jackets for all vehicle occupants (though probably not for use while theyre occupying the vehicle!). So you can see its a wide-ranging bag of possible initiatives coming to a member state near you any time in the next nine years! Clearly all this has to be researched, drafted and consulted upon before it ever becomes law, but we hope this gives you a bit of a flavour of the thinking on the continent. You can find out more about whats going on in the EU by downloading the Policy orientations on road safety 2011-2020 from ec.europa.eu/ transport/road_safety

Ethical aspects
The citizens right to individual road use and safe transport is repeated. At the same time, the resolution reminds those citizens that they have a duty to behave safely. The resolution respects the right to life and expression where the road network is regarded as part of our community. It reminds us that the EU objective is Vision Zero. This is where use of extensive technology prevents all road deaths. The call is for the core features of the strategy to deliver Vision Zero within three years. A bit like some headlamps theyre aiming high!

Traffic rules
There is a call for an improved exchange of information between member states where offences against traffic regulations have been identified. Including, interestingly, a review of legislation on driving and rest times for long-distance lorry drivers, to enable them to spend weekly rest periods at home. If youve ever been stuck behind a car driver in icy conditions where clearly they havent a clue how to make progress, you might welcome a proposal for legislation harmonising the approach of fitting winter tyres on cars, buses and trucks but its only for member states with the right weather conditions, so sadly the M11 will be no different!

Lifelong learning
It is acknowledged that road transport should be subject to a lifelong learning

Got a question, need some friendly advice or want to report a dodgy operator? Ring the VOSA national number 0300 123 9000

SVEN HOPPE (+COVER IMAGE) / SHUTTERSTOCK

www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

COST FREE
If bus, coach and lorry drivers exchange their British paper driving licence for a photocard licence, they can get their driver qualification card (DQC) at no cost.
Drivers who have exchanged their paper driving licence for a photocard licence will receive their DQC automatically, as the same photograph can be used for both documents. While drivers will still have to pay the usual 20 photocard licence fee, they will benefit by receiving their DQC free of charge, which could save them up to 30 over the 10 year photocard licence period. The DQC proves that the driver holds the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) which professional bus, coach and lorry drivers must now legally hold in addition to their driving licence. Rosemary Thew, DSA chief executive says Were urging drivers to exchange their paper licence sooner rather than later. As well as saving money, drivers holding a photocard licence will receive their DQC automatically when they have passed the Driver CPC initial qualification or completed 35 hours of periodic training. Drivers who leave the exchange of their licence until after they have completed their training risk delays in receiving their DQC. Drivers can apply to exchange their licence online, by post or they can drop off their application at DVLA local offices and selected Post Office branches. Visit www. direct.gov.uk/exchangelicence for more information on how to exchange your paper licence.

GET YOUR DQC

Moving On, January 2012

A SLICE OF LIFE
by George Ryder

What do Traffic Examiners actually do? How does one go about getting the job in the first place? What sort of people are they? All these questions, and more, are answered in a short interview with one of VOSAs newest Traffic Examiners.
Mel Yelland is a nice, easygoing traffic examiner (TE), who can get tough on rule breakers when she must. Mel came to work for VOSA 10 years ago. I had a job at NatWest Bank before starting work for VOSAs training department. From there, I moved over to the MOT team to help computerise the MOT test. But 18 months ago, Mel took her career in a very different direction. I wanted a complete change from my old office job says Mel. The TE training took me three months. Although it was challenging, I was motivated to complete the course. Getting out and about as a TE means that every day is different. Mel enjoys her new role, working out of the VOSA site at Avonmouth: I set myself an ongoing goal to do my very best each day. I find the job very rewarding as it impacts directly on road safety and saves lives. So the work that I do has a very positive effect on the world we live in. Always around to lend a hand, Mel regularly takes the VOSA stopper car out to bring vehicles into the check site at Tormarton. As a TE, Mel checks the paperwork to make sure the driver and operator are safe and legal, while a Vehicle Examiner (VE) takes a look at the lorry itself. Mels job includes, amongst other things, checking the O-licence, drivers licence, ministry plate, and tachograph charts. Mels message to truckers is, Make sure your paperwork is prepared for a road check!

www.businesslink.gov.uk/transport

DRIVERS HOURS
8
Moving On, January 2012 www.vosa.gov.uk/moving-on

ON YOUTUBE
VOSA has begun to move the Check it Out series of short educational films online, making them more widely accessible to our target audience. Operators, drivers and trainers can now view and share these films at the push of a button.
VOSAs popular drivers hours film for HGV and PSV drivers and operators is now available on youtube.com/ user/vosagovuk for all to view. Most drivers find the film format easier to digest and apply to their own driving activities. The film can also be used to supplement driver training. Due to the constraints of the site, the film has been provided in two parts. British and European drivers hours and tachograph rules are explained and the film provides important information for both drivers and operators. The film outlines EU rules, UK domestic rules, tachograph rules and UK enforcement. Very informative and easy to understand commented one viewer, while another said This video has cleared some of [the complex regulations] up for me. More of the same please! Driver walkaround checks and basic inspection films will also soon be available to view on youtube.com/user/vosagovuk.

Department for Transport agency details

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) Driver enquiries: 0300 790 6801 Vehicle enquiries: 0300 790 6802 www.direct.gov.uk/emaildvla Driving Standards Agency (DSA) 0300 200 1122 customer.services@dsa.gov.uk Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) 0117 951 5151 www.vca.gov.uk/contact.asp Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) 0300 123 9000 enquiries@vosa.gov..uk

Got a question, need some friendly advice or want to report a dodgy operator? Ring the VOSA national number 0300 123 9000