UK company directors risk corporate manslaughter charges

Risky business on the road as UK company directors risk corporate manslaughter charges every time one of thousands of illegal drivers gets behind the wheel.


Licence Bureau, a UK authority on driver qualifications, estimates that there are 24,000 people driving illegally for companies in Britain, including an unknown number of truck drivers.

In 2011, Licence Bureau found that, on average, one in every 300 licences was invalid.

Licence Bureau, which verifies driving licences on behalf of businesses, discovered that of the non-compliant company drivers that they checked, 43% were driving on a provisional licence, 31% were on a revoked licence and 9% were disqualified.

The bureau said the most common reason for “illegal” truck licences was “expired categories”, as many drivers forget they are only valid until they are 45 years old.

Malcolm Maycock, Director of the Licence Bureau, told Lloyd’s Loading List.com of one large and well respected blue chip haulage firm that had been checking one driver manually for seven years.
It was only once he was 47, that they had external support and discovered he did not have a valid licence.

“And what’s more, it was one of the worst fakes they had ever seen.”

It was also discovered that the driver had actually been disqualified for the first two years of his employment.

The bureau said: “These statistics are shocking, as it has been estimated that up to a third of all road traffic incidents involve somebody who is at work at the time. This may account for more than 20 fatalities and 250 serious injuries every week.”

Maycock added: “Time and time again we see drivers that have made false statements to their employers about their licences.

“We want all companies based in the UK to help play a part in making the nation’s roads a safer place by checking the validity of their drivers’ documents. In the long run they will be protecting their business interest as well as protecting the safety of others.”

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007, which came into force on 6 April 2008, means employers are responsible for ensuring safety on the road, which includes checking all drivers are licensed to drive. The new law allows prosecution for gross failures in the management of health and safety within a company when it results in a death.

NOT A REAL DRIVING LICENCE

Source, LloydsLoadingList

UK freight industry needs more truckers

Despite recession, not enough young or female drivers to replace ageing workforce, says Skills for Logistics.


The UK may be in a second recession and suffering its highest unemployment for years, but the country faces a looming lorry driver shortage which risks holding back economic recovery.

That warning, published yesterday by the government’s logistics training body, Skills for Logistics, is contained within a report entitled A Looming Driver Shortage? The evidence behind the concerns.

Its authors say there are substantially more vacancies than candidates, which has led to wages growing faster for drivers than other employees across the country.

They also say that fewer people are taking the required Long Goods Vehicle (LGV) driving tests and that over that the past four years, there has been a 31% decline in successful test passes.

More Drivers Need to be Trained Up

“The driver shortage is not new, but its effects were mitigated by the economic downturn,” said Ross Moloney, Director of Intelligence and Strategy at Skills for Logistics.

“Now, as the UK economy recovers, resolving this issue will be critical to avoid holding up growth.”

Moloney added: “The report clearly shows that the logistics sector, which is vital to the UK economy, needs to be made more attractive as a career option – particularly to female and young recruits. Furthermore, it is imperative that improved and more targeted training is delivered to those who have been attracted.”

Around 16% of LGV drivers are aged 60 or above, while just 1% of employed drivers are under 25 – although this is partly due to the cost of insurance.

In addition, only 1% of LGV drivers and 5% of van drivers are female, compared to the overall female employment rate of 46%.

According to Maloney, those retiring over the next five years will leave a potential replacement demand for 48,000 drivers.


Source, LlyodsLoadingList

Dartford Crossing Toll Charge Increase

TOLL charges on the Dartford Crossing are to be increased to pay for free-flow electronic charging, the Department of Transport has announced.

From October 2012, cash charges for car users will increase from £1.50 to £2, from £2 to £2.50 for lorries and from £3.70 to £5.00 for heavy goods vehicles.

The Crossing will remain free for motorcyclists,and discounts for local residents and drivers who pay in advance will continue.

Funding from the charge increase will help to pay for free-flow electronic charging.

Motorists will then see a second increase in October 2014 when the free-flow charging is expected to be introduced.

This will rise to £2.50 for cars, £3.00 for lorries and £6.00 for heavy goods vehicles.

Road Minister Mike Penning said: “The Dartford-Thurrock River Crossing is a vital piece of transport infrastructure that has brought huge economic benefits to the country. But currently it can’t meet the growing demands of drivers so we need to plan properly for the longer term.

“That’s why we've given a commitment not only to introduce free-flow charging by the autumn 2014 but also to build a new crossing in the Lower Thames area.

We have also listened carefully to what people have said about our proposals on charging, which is why charges will not increase until later this year.

The proceeds will help us prioritise investment for much-needed improvements to capacity and journey times."

Dartford Crossing Toll Charges to Increase

For more information, go to dft.gov.uk

Source, thisislocallondon.co.uk

Super truck drivers - water great idea

Homeowners across the North West might not realise it, but over the past year they could have been among the 250,000 people who’ve been ‘rescued’ by an unlikely team of heroes – six ‘water truckers’. 
 

This crack team of H20 heroes operates United Utilities’ ‘Water on Wheels’ service – a fleet of bespoke Volvo 30,000ltr super tankers that travel to affected areas and pump water directly into the mains to ensure that properties continue to receive an ‘on tap’ service while repairs are carried out.

Last year alone the water truckers, who service the entire region - from Crewe to Carlisle, helped keep over a quarter of a million people in full flow by pumping 24,770,000 litres of water into the system. 

The service has been so successful that United Utilities is to invest over £1million in six new 30,000ltr tankers for the fleet, a move that will enable the water truckers to mobilise almost  half a million litres of water when needed.

For Emergency Plant Resource Co-ordinator John Doyle and his team of six super operatives, the investment is welcome news. He said: “The new kit means we are better equipped than ever before to provide help where it’s needed. Just recently our team kept five tankers pumping into the network for over 48 hours following a burst aqueduct in Rivington. Around 5000 local people were kept on tap throughout and were unaware of any issue.

“These six guys travel the length and breadth of the North West with the Water on Wheels trucks, making sure that communities, hospitals, schools and businesses remain in full flow, even if their mains supply is undergoing repair work. We’re a bit like the emergency service nobody knows about.”

 But those who want to find out more about this team of ‘secret super truckers’ now can, thanks to a film from United Utilities which takes a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a water trucker and at the services they provide.

Dave Leffler, aged 29 from Warrington, is one of the Water on Wheels drivers.

He said: “I love the job. No two days are the same. One day we can be carrying out routine maintenance work, the next we can be working in the heart of a community to help make sure people don’t miss out on their morning shower and cup of tea.

“There’s genuine satisfaction in knowing that you’ve helped thousands of people get on with their lives – even if they have no idea you were ever there!”

In addition to the film, which can be viewed at www.unitedutilities.com/waterroadtruckers.aspx, people can also find out more about the work of the Water on Wheels team by following #IamaWaterTrucker on Twitter.

Article: Nigel Hughes nigel@judgeandhoward.com

Government millions to fund green trucks

The government is putting up £9.5 million to encourage UK road-haulage operators to buy and use low carbon medium and heavy goods vehicles, and the supporting refuelling infrastructure.

The Low Carbon Truck Demonstration Trial is being run by the Technology Strategy Board. Demonstration trial fleets will be run for two years, during which time usage data will be gathered and analysed by DfT.

In a briefing document the TSB said: “We are seeking to help operators establish and run fleets of alternative and dual-fuel heavy-goods vehicles, and electric and hybrid commercial vehicles by partfunding both the difference in capital cost between the traditional vehicles and their low carbon equivalents, and the refuelling/charging point for use by the trial fleet.

“This competition is open to businesses of any size and we are actively seeking to engage with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as the large operators. Every application must be a collaboration and be led by a vehicle operator. The maximum grant received by a single application is not expected to exceed £750k.”
In the North East, Zero Carbon Futures, the development and advocacy consultancy for LCVs, is seeking partners to put together a bid. It argues that the region is already internationally recognised as the UK leader in the development and production of low carbon vehicles.

Managing director Dr Colin Herron said: “This funding offers haulage, transport and delivery companies the chance to procure green trucks at very attractive prices, helping them to not only lower their carbon footprints but also their cost base, in what is a highly competitive sector.”

Companies wishing to take part must register by 13th June and complete their applications by 20th June.

Logisticsmanager.com

Multimodal 2012 record exhibitor numbers

Multimodal 2012, the only UK and Irish event for all sectors of the freight and transport industries, opened today 1st May 2012 at Birmingham’s NEC with a record number of exhibitors. The organisers say that the show has grown by 20% in this, its fifth year, and offers visitors a wider range of suppliers, modes and transport routes to choose from than ever before.

The feedback from exhibitors on the first day of the show was that the quality of visitors and the contacts they were making was of a very high calibre. First-time exhibitors at Multimodal, Hamburg-based Hapag-Lloyd, said they had already made a number of highly valuable contacts in the first two hours of the show. “This is certainly one of the most well-organised and best looking shows we’ve attended”, said Susana Schmidt-Papenheim of Hapag-Lloyd. “It is an excellent place to showcase our services, as very many of our most important customers are here.”

Another first-time exhibitor at Multimodal was the UK’s Network Rail. “We’ve been making significant improvements to the rail network over recent years, and we saw Multimodal as an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what we are doing to encourage freight to switch to rail”, said their spokesman. “We have close links with freight operators and ports, so it made sense for us to be here – the missing piece in the jigsaw if you like!”

Also at Multimodal for the first time were Europe’s largest independent wagon-hiring company, VTG from Germany, who were exhibiting their Ecofret container wagon – the first time it had been shown to the public. This new concept in rail-based container transport enables the optimum number of containers to be loaded onto a train, by using wagons of 40 and 20 foot lengths, rather than the normal 60. This increases train container capacity, and reduces gaps between containers, resulting in less turbulence and consequent savings in fuel.

Packaging specialists All Seas Global Logistics were also newcomers to Multimodal, and their Project Manager David Christie was impressed. “We had already picked up some very good new contacts before 12 o’clock”, he remarks. “We’d been visiting the show ever since it first started, and as it seemed just to keep on growing, we thought now was the right moment for us to be part of the action as exhibitors. There’s a good reason why companies large and small invest in Multimodal, and that’s because we can see it brings tangible results.”

Regular exhibitors at Multimodal, ‘Invest in Doncaster’ were also pleased with the numbers and calibre of visitors, whom they welcomed to their stand with portions of Huntsman’s Pie – a local speciality. “We’ve had a lot of interest from firms looking to set up business in the Doncaster area” said Invest in Doncaster’s Tim Hazeltine. “We always come to Multimodal, and I can say that this year’s show is an improvement even on the two previous ones.”

Shippers’ Voice Seminars on the first day proved immensely popular, with the Seminar Theatre packed to capacity. Subjects covered by the series included SuperPort Centric Logistics from the retailer’s perspective; a panel of experts explaining the uses of cloud software as a service to the supply chain; customs and trade compliance; and a look at maintaining Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)status.

At the same time, Trade Extensions offered a series of briefings, starting after lunch with “From CO2 to CO3” – a look by Dr Andrew Palmer of Heriott-Watt University at ways of reducing empty running and maximising vehicle fill. This was followed by a presentation by Garry Mansell of Trade Extensions on the buying processes associated with sourcing complex categories such as logistics, entitled “Sourcing Optimisation – Extracting Value from Complexity”.

Multimodal Director Robert Jervis thanked the exhibitors for their vote of confidence in the event. “Not only have we more exhibitors than ever before, it’s clear from what they say that Multimodal 2012 has got off to a flying start. I’d like to thank all those who have returned to the event this year, and welcome the many new exhibitors we have too. I am confident that Multimodal will once again prove the year’s most important event for the UK and Irish transport and logistics industries.”

By HGVUK.com

£150m port plan for Southampton docks gets go ahead

Southampton port has been given the go ahead for a £150m expansion bringing 200 jobs. After months of delays due to legal challenges and red tape a government agency has confirm the project to increase the size of berths at the container terminal can go-ahead.
It will ensure the container terminal’s future competitiveness and safeguard 800 direct jobs and 1,200 indirect jobs.
Port owner ABP wants to combine the existing berths 201 and 202 alongside an upgraded 500m quay wall.
An increase in the length of container ships has meant the current deep-sea berths, 204 to 207, can no longer handle four of the next generation of container vessels at once.

The Marine Management Organisation has this afternoon given the go ahead for dredging and upgrade works to begin.
ABP rival Hutchinson Ports, owners of Felixstowe, forced a reassessment of the scheme when it launched a judicial review of an earlier consent ago on environmental grounds.

Hampshire MPs have been lobbying the Government for a quick resolution to the hold-ups to avoid fatal delays for Southampton.
Port director Doug Morrison said the decision was vital so contracts could be awarded for work to start in tight time window this September.

Otherwise they could be delayed for another year.
The major works must be carried out between September and March to avoid disturbing migratory Atlantic salmon.
Mr Morrison said if a decision went beyond April it would have put the port in an “impossible situation.”
The MMO said it had approved licences for ABP Southampton for works and associated dredging at Berths 201 and 202 at the port of Southampton.
It said details of the licences and the evidence behind the MMO’s decision making process would be made available shortly .
Chris Lewis, managing director of DP World Southampton, the operator of Southampton’s container terminal, said: “This is fantastic news for Southampton and for our customers.
“The berth redevelopment will help to ensure that the port remains globally competitive and successful by being able to handle the largest container vessels afloat.
“Having this enhanced infrastructure capability is vital and underscores Southampton’s position as the first and last deep-sea port of call in Northern Europe for the Far East liner services, with its sheltered location, unique double high tide, first-class road and rail distribution links to the Midlands and market-leading service and productivity.
“We play a major role in the international trade supply chain, and our aim is to make the transition of goods through our terminal as seamless as possible for customers – the reconstructed quay will be a key driver for even greater productivity, with continued fast, reliable and secure services.
He added: “DP World Southampton will be working closely with ABP on the reconstruction and development of the berths in what is another exciting chapter for all of us here at the port.”
City MP John Denham said the consent was the result of hard work by ABP and its supporters.
But he said it was now “essential” for the Government to issue a warning against any other delaying challenges for commercial interest.
“Southampton should be the UK’s premier port for south east China and India trade and this investment is absolutely essential for us to hold on and build on that role,” he said.

Exclusive By Matt Smith, Andover Advertisier

We need the jobs. But will we still be allowing unsafe nuclear submarines into the city captained by an incompetent crew? You can kiss goodbye to our docks if that were ever to go wrong.The Salv

 

Faulty Tachograph Cards Can be Costly for Road Freight Haulage Operators

UK – Novadata, the tachograph supply specialist, tells us that the DVLA are aware of problems on some Digital Tachograph Driver Cards which result in error codes being displayed on the tachograph vehicle unit, obviously a serious situation for any freight truck or other road haulage driver. Novadata says drivers are advised to check the card in another vehicle unit or a download device to verify whether there is a fault with the card. Once you have established that your card is faulty you are advised to contact the DVLA within 7 days.

The codes displayed will likely be one of four i.e: "ERROR CODE 48”; "CARD ERROR”; "CARD NOT VALID” - When it is, or "CARD EXPIRED” - When the card has not expired. In order to replace the faulty card it is necessary to fill in the correct D778B application form for a new card and return it with the faulty card to VOSA.

When returning the card in order to receive a free replacement The DVLA typically issues a reference which you are advised to have to hand in the event you are stopped by an enforcement officer. According to the DVLA if you mark on the envelope "code 48” you will receive priority and your replacement card should arrive within 5-7 days. Under these circumstances you can legally drive without a card but you must produce two 24 hour daily print outs from the vehicle unit one at the start of your duty and the other at the end of your duty thus evidencing the work periods undertaken.

On the back of these print outs you need to record your Name, Driving licence number before signing them. This is a legal requirement and drivers must keep the printouts with them for 28 days and return them to the operator within 42 days who in turn must keep them for 1 year or 2 years plus the reference period if using the information for the Working Time Directive.

You can drive using printouts for up to 15 days, or longer if away from base but Novadata emphasise it is important that sufficient supplies of print rolls are issued to drivers with one roll typically producing approximately 28 x 24 hour daily printouts.

source - handyshippingguide

Owner-drivers must obey Working Time Directive from May

Owner-drivers must adhere to the Working Time Directive (WTD) from May after escaping inclusion for seven years. The WTD restricts working time to an average 48-hour week and insists that records are kept for two years.

The government has been forced to act after the European Commission began infringement proceedings against 13 member states, including the UK and Ireland. Penalties include unlimited fines.

Amendments to the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 come into force in Great Britain on 11 May. Northern Ireland regulations will be amended at the same time.

“We are working with the industry to ensure these changes are implemented in the least burdensome way possible,” says roads minister Mike Penning. He adds he is “extremely disappointed” that the EC withdrew its opposition to including owner-drivers.

The Department for Transport says Vosa will adopt a light touch to enforcement for the first six months, advising rather than prosecuting offenders. No one has yet been prosecuted under the original 2005 regulations, suggesting that this approach is the norm.


The RHA hopes Vosa will take a pragmatic approach. “There are more pressing enforcement issues, such as tachograph fiddling and diesel laundering,” says Jack Simple, RHA director of policy.

When the regulations were introduced in 2005, owner-drivers were given a derogation until March 2009 before coming into scope. The EC then opposed inclusion as being impractical to police. It wanted to focus on the false self employed who are not free to work for another employer. The battle was lost in June 2010 when the European Parliament rejected the EC’s position.

Keir Fitch, deputy head of the office of EC transport commissioner Siim Kallas, recently told CM that the argument may return. “We have no choice but to enforce the law. However, if member states find it does not work, we could go back to parliament with a new proposal.”

source - commercial motor

Olympic Route Network drivers advised by TfL

Transport for London (TfL) has recently issued a Code of Practice for freight drivers who will be working at night and into the morning to deliver supplies during the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Companies making or receiving out-of-hours deliveries during London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics are urged to adhere to this new code, developed in partnership with the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and the Noise Abatement Society (NAS).

The guidelines ask delivery drivers not to whistle or shout to get the attention of shops receiving goods, and also advise switiching off reversing alarms and closing doors quietly.
Also included in the code is advice that external bells at delivery points are avoided, rubber buffering material is used between hard surfaces and delivery equipment is serviced to minimise noise.
London Councils, businesses and Transport for London (TfL) are supporting what they describe as 'a considerate, flexible approach to out-of-hours deliveries during Games-time'.
TfL engaged with, and sought feedback from, the freight industry, London boroughs and other interested parties, which has resulted in the final version which has been published this week. The Code of Practice sets out practical tips on how both drivers and those receiving the goods can work together to make deliveries as quietly as possible.
Transport for London (TfL), London Councils and London's business community have confirmed that they will be sympathetic to companies that need to make or receive out-of-hours deliveries in London during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The pragmatic approach was endorsed by London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee last week, when they approved a statement to help local authorities explain the position on night-time deliveries during the Games.
The statement makes it clear that councils will be supportive and sympathetic to the needs of businesses needing out-of-hours deliveries during the 2012 Games, when deliveries to businesses on the Olympic Route Network, in central London and around venues will be affected by Games-related restrictions on key parts of the Capital's road network.
London boroughs reserve the right to continue to enforce against businesses that are inconsiderate or disturb local communities, especially if complaints are received about excessive noise being made when making or receiving deliveries.
Good steps to minimise the chance of any enforcement action include following the Code of Practice and in particularly sensitive areas businesses are advised to discuss this issue with local borough councils in advance.
In order to support the needs of London's residents and those of the freight industry and businesses affected by Games-time restrictions, Transport for London (TfL) has today published the final Code of Practice for out-of-hours deliveries.
The code provides businesses and delivery companies with simple, practical guidance on how to minimise noise from night-time deliveries and is available on the TfL website.
The code will apply when the Olympic Route Network (ORN) comes into force.
The network, which aims to reduce congestion, will result in existing loading bays being closed.
As a result, more deliveries will have to take place between midnight and 06:00 BST when the ORN is in operation.
There will be access and delivery time restrictions along the ORN and surrounding areas, and around the 13 Games venues in London, according to the Department for Transport.
The freight industry is vital to the success of London. Approximately 280,000 freight journeys take place within London on a typical weekday, delivering to some 290,000 businesses and 7.8 million residents.
Within these freight journeys, road freight has a significant impact; deliveries, collections and servicing activity accounts for 17 per cent of Greater London's traffic and this is predicted to rise to 25 per cent of total traffic by 2030. Up to 10 per cent of London's freight is moved by road and 6.4 per cent of London's employment is freight related, making it a significant business sector, crucial to the London-wide economy.
London's transport commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: "The challenges surrounding deliveries during the Games are considerable.
"However, the success of the quieter out-of-hours delivery trials we've commissioned in recent months clearly demonstrate that out-of-hours deliveries can, and I believe will, play a vital role in ensuring London and the rest of the UK keeps on moving this summer.
"I urge businesses that make or receive deliveries in London to use the Code of Practice for all out-of-hours deliveries.
"It is up to the freight and business community to prove to London's borough councils that they are aware of, and care about, the impact they have on the communities they deliver to.
"If the industry gets it right this summer, this is also a real opportunity for reducing congestion and improving air quality and road safety in London in the future."
Minimising disruption
Nick Lester, corporate director for services at London Councils, said: "London's councils are working hard to ensure that businesses can keep running as smoothly as possible during the Games and to minimise disruption to residents.
"While enforcement will be as light-touch and flexible as possible, boroughs will continue to enforce against any business stopping Londoners from getting a good night's sleep."
Baroness Valentine, chief executive of London First, said: "The Olympics are a positive thing for London, but it's vital that businesses in London are able to remain open during the Games.
"This code of practice will provide certainty around more flexible delivery arrangements - without which many businesses will be unable to operate normally. This would be bad for residents, bad for businesses and bad for employment both during and after the Games."
Victory for common sense
Sue Terpilowski, London policy chairman, Federation of Small Businesses, said: 'Small businesses across London will support this announcement on night time deliveries. This is a victory for common sense, when the roads will be heavily congested, to enable deliveries to be made at night time.
"We will work closely with our members to ensure they are aware of the Code of Practice to ensure that residents are not disturbed during the Games.
"It is vital that London remains open for business during the Games and so mitigating the risks of imposed transport obstacles are very much welcome."
Sarah Bell, lead traffic commissioner for Olympic delivery, commented: "Today's announcement by London Councils and TfL goes a long way to addressing the challenges the freight industry faces in making deliveries to some parts of London during this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain urge the freight industry to consider out-of-hours deliveries as one of a number of solutions that will help both the freight sector and London keep on moving this summer, and we ask them to abide by the conditions of the Code of Practice that TfL has published."
Natalie Chapman, Freight Transport Association head of policy for London, said: "The FTA welcomes the flexible, sensible approach London's boroughs are taking to the challenge freight operators and businesses face around making and receiving deliveries during Games-time.
"We will be urging freight operators to follow and respect the conditions laid out in the Code of Practice.
"If they can prove, as we believe, that out-of-hours deliveries can be made without disturbing local residents, there could be tremendous legacy benefits for the Capital, both in terms of improved road safety, air quality and a reduction in day-time traffic congestion."

source = pressonshd