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Transport Guides

Abnormal Loads

“An ‘abnormal load’ is a vehicle that has a weight of more than 44,000kg; an axle load of more than 10,000kg for a single non-driving axle and 11,500kg for a single driving axle; a width of more than 2.9 metres and a rigid length of more than 18.65 metres.”

Bus and Coach Operations

“A coach (or motor coach) is a bus used for a longer-distance service, in contrast to transit buses that are typically used within a single metropolitan region. Buses and coaches have their own legislation and rules.”

Construction and Use

“C&U Regulations are applicable to the design, manufacture, maintenance and use of vehicles and trailers. There are many sections to the regulations, covering everything from axle weights to the reflective markers on the rear and sides of vehicles and trailers”

Dangerous Goods

“Dangerous goods, are substances that when transported are a risk to health, safety, property or the environment. Certain dangerous goods can pose significant risks when being transported or stored.”

Driver CPC

“The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) is a qualification for professional bus, coach and lorry drivers. It is a Europe wide qualification aimed at improving road safety and maintaining high standards of driving”

Driver Hours Rules

“If you drive a goods vehicle or a bus or coach you must follow the rules on how many hours you can drive and the breaks that you need to take. The rules to follow depend on the type of vehicle being driven.”

Health and Safety

“Every year, there are over 5,000 accidents involving transport in the workplace. About 50 of these accidents result in people being killed. The main causes of injury are people falling off vehicles, or being struck or crushed by them.”

International Operations

“HGV and PCV drivers operating in the EU have many rules and regulations governing themselves, and the vehicles they drive. Legislation is not only country specific, but equally there are rules and regulations governing movements within the EU.”

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Country Operations

“Within this section you’ll find information specific to HGV transport operations in 18 countries which also includes the UK. The information covers internal laws applicable, to the type of operation.”

Law Enforcement

“DVSA are the enforcement authority for HGV and PCV operators within the UK. They carry out driving tests, approve driving instructors and MOT testers and enforce regulation to HGV and PCV drivers and Operators.”

Light Goods Vehicles

“A light goods vehicle, or LGV, is a commercial vehicle with a total gross weight of 3,500kg or less. LGVs include commercial vehicles such as vans, pick-up trucks and three-wheelers in the carriage of commercial goods.”

Medical Conditions

“There are several medical conditions that can affect drivers of large commercial vehicles and the activities associated with the loads carried (HGV) and customers personal luggage (PCV). The most impact felt include back conditions, sleep apnoea, stress and eyesight.”

HGV Operator Licensing

“An operator's licence is the legal authority needed to operate goods vehicles in Great Britain and the EU. Licences are issued by the Traffic Commissioner who also have powers to take regulatory action against drivers and operators.”

Tachographs and Records

“The rules on using a tachograph must be observed by both drivers and operators of vehicles that fall within the scope of Regulation (EC) 561/2006 or the AETR rules.”

UK Transport Operations

“Transport Operations are managed by a transport manager. The position has evolved into a complex role concerned with the environment, cost, efficiency, training, employment and health and safety.”

Working Time Directive

“The Working time directive or Road Transport Directive is a separate set of rules which all HGV and PCV drivers must adhere to. The Directive came into force on 4 April 2005 and is designed to monitor the hours drivers.”