The Consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) has finally been issued following the review of the HVNL. It sets out the National Transport Commission's views on what shape the revised HVNL should take, the main areas for improvement being:
- improving vehicle access – negotiating access along a full route can be a nightmare. The RIS proposes that access is eased by increasing the general mass and dimension limits for 'as-of-right' access
- a more efficient, streamlined Performance-Based Standards (PBS) scheme – getting a vehicle approved under the PBS scheme is expensive, time-consuming and uncertain. The RIS proposes to give the NHVR authority to approve any application; linking PBS approval with access, so both can be processed together; allowing manufacturers to self-certify compliance with existing PBS approved designs, all to streamline the process
- using technology to aid compliance – there is no framework for certifying or approving specific technology solutions for compliance purposes. The RIS proposes establishing a compliance technology certifier to approve technology which meets acceptable standards, so you know what you are using will be accepted
- improving the regulation of fatigue – managing work/rest hours is complex. The RIS proposes simplifying the calculation of work/rest hours and related record-keeping requirements. In addition, the RIS proposes additional ways to manage fatigue, such as driver health and fitness assessments
- creating a more effective assurance regime – the HVNL does not formally recognise industry-run accreditation schemes, despite recognising that the recognised schemes don't have the same broad scope and compliance focus of schemes like TruckSafe. The RIS proposes a framework to recognise and reward members of reliable accreditation schemes.
You can have your say on the matters proposed in the RIS, before the proposed new laws are drafted up and sent to Ministers for approval. Click here for further information.
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