The Road Haulage Association is extremely concerned that the Commons Transport Select Committee is considering proposals that the use of hands-free mobile phones while driving should be banned. Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “For years we have condemned the use of hand-held devices but for truckers, it is… Read more »
M1 safety week reduces collisions by a third
200 dangerous drivers have been stopped by police and hundreds given safety tips at motorway services. The number of incidents during the Highways England initiative fell from 90 collisions during the previous week to 64 during the week of action. The M1 safety week, which took place between Monday 13… Read more »
Mobile phones: ‘Tougher restrictions’ and ‘stricter enforcement’ required
A serious of significant restrictions on mobile phone use whilst driving is recommended by the Commons Transport Select Committee in a report published on 13th August: Road Safety: driving whilst using a mobile phone, writes Tim Ridyard of Ashtons Legal solicitors. This report comes hot on the heels of the… Read more »
Preventing lorries being used as weapons (‘VAWS’)
Countering Vehicle as a Weapon: Best Practice Guidance for Goods Vehicle Operators and Drivers has just been released by the Department for Transport and addresses VAW attacks, writes Tim Norris of Ashtons Legal Solicitors. VAW stands for ‘Vehicle as a Weapon’. Such an attack requires relatively low level preparation… Read more »
Why should road laws from across the globe be introduced to the globe?
We have plenty of driving laws to be aware of in the UK. If you head abroad and get behind the wheel though, you’ll also need to take note that different countries have their own road laws. However, could Brits benefit from some of the road laws seen across the… Read more »
Banned for six months; the driver that caused traffic chaos in Ipswich for 9 hours
On Friday, 2nd August, HGV driver Paul Kane, 61, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention via post and was sentenced in his absence at Suffolk Magistrates Court. On 5th December last year, near the Orwell Crossing Lorry Park, the HGV lost control whilst approaching a junction. As… Read more »
£40m heroin seizure after international operation
An international law enforcement investigation has resulted in one of the largest ever seizures of heroin in the UK. NCA intelligence had identified a container vessel suspected of carrying a large drugs shipment en route to Antwerp, Belgium. The vessel docked in Felixstowe on 1st August. The following day, officers… Read more »
Mobile phone case no ‘green light to make films’ as you drive
Commercial drivers needs to be particularly careful about mobile phone misuse. Not only are they at risk of prosecution but Traffic Commissioners will normally suspend their vocational HGV/PCV licence. The 31 July 2019 Decision in DPP v Barreto [2019] EWHC 2044 (Admin) concerns what use of a hand-held mobile phone… Read more »
Biodegradable security seals switch for Nestlé logistics
Nestlé UK has become the first major company to switch to a new biodegradable security seal for use on its transport fleet. The Nestlé UK logistics team will team up with Mega Fortris Group to source and use their world first biodegradable security seal. Security seals are a crucial tool for… Read more »
HGV driver sentenced to eight years after cocaine found stashed in lorry
A HGV driver is beginning an eight-year prison sentence for smuggling £1.7m worth of cocaine into the UK. Romanian national Ghiorghita Hapau, aged 42, was stopped as part of intelligence led activity in Portsmouth on April 29. The HGV, which originated from Italy and with a manifested consignment of sheet metal,… Read more »
