Freight People held yet another information-packed forum in July.
The focus was on road safety through effective vehicle maintenance and management systems. Attendees left with a wealth of information delivered by expert panellists from the DVSA, DAF, and the Office of the Traffic Commissioner.
When asked what the main issues were that Traffic Commissioners were seeing, Steve Jordan, Head of the Office of the Traffic Commissioner advised ‘brakes, brakes and brakes.’
Pete Maguire ex DVSA Earned Recognition Technical Advisor and Vehicle Examiner stressed the importance of ‘meaningful’ brake testing. Attendees left with an understanding of how to read rolling road brake testing and Decelerometer/Tapley print outs, and the importance of ensuring information is correctly recorded and transferred onto inspection sheets.
Do you obtain and check print outs?
Number two in top defects at roadside is tyres. Explaining the latest legislation on tyre management, Peter Maguire went on to stress the importance of a tyre management policy – communicated to all employees.
With the ongoing debate on clean air and the introduction of low emission zones, Peter Maguire explained what to look for from maintenance providers with regard to emissions testing.
The checking of vehicle inspection sheets is a vital part of a Transport Manager’s role. DVSA Vehicle Examiner Ian Webb described what DVSA Examiners were seeing at roadside and what Transport Managers must look for when checking vehicle maintenance inspection sheets.
DAF Academy Trainer and Vehicle Operator Chloe Bevins talked attendees through what vehicle operators should be looking for when choosing and auditing an inspection facility.
Do you audit your maintenance provider, or internal systems?
As always, lots of top tips were shared to assist operators in ensuring the safety of their vehicles on the road. Thanks to our panellists for answering all of our questions.
Forum regulars:
Mike Dawber from the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Services (NaVCIS), gave the latest headline figures on vehicle crime:
- 933 notifications of HGV cargo crime in quarter 1, 2021
- 32% of crime was fuel theft
- 54% jump up
- 2 cases of Romanian Rollover
- Main means of access remains curtain slashing
- 6 arrests for ‘hook up’ theft last week
- 2 stolen Range Rover vehicles were recovered and found packed with fashion shoes
- Largest recovery in 2021 is for £250,000 of pharmaceutical goods stolen in Derbyshire in 2019 – warrants for 2 people in West Yorkshire
The work that NaVCIS carries out for the transport industry is invaluable yet continues to be under threat should sponsorship not be received.
Employee Wellbeing
The monthly health and wellbeing top tip, delivered by Jennifer Rawlinson of Flourish in Mind was the benefit of connecting with nature.
Last, but not least, Chris Stevens from DAC Beachcroft reminded vehicle operators of the danger of adopting the latest Government’s relaxation of drivers’ hours, currently in place until 8 August 2021. Road and driver safety must always be a priority and cannot be compromised. Employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users and could face prosecution should there be an incident on the road.
Remember in order to adopt this relaxation operators must notify the Department of Transport (DfT). In addition it is advisable to have risk assessments in place safeguarding the health and wellbeing of employees and road safety.
With thanks to our sponsors, panellists, and participants for your contributions and support to make this forum a success.
Copy slides/recordings are being sent to attendees who have requested the same.
Just to add that Freight People sponsor Road Skills Online are offering FREE online prevention of bridge strikes toolbox talks for drivers. Details are being made available to attendees, if you would like more information please let me know.
We are taking a break in August. Please join us in September when we will be tackling another industry hot topic, discussing issues, offering support, and sharing best practice industry solutions and top tips.
