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......Welcome to the news page.....

Visit here regularly to see updates on issues that affect your

profession and how you carry out your work

If you want to see something here just email admin@toptruckers

and if we're able we'll put it here

 

Charging changes at the Dartford Crossing

 


Increases to daytime charges at the Dartford Crossing will come into
effect from 10pm on Saturday 15 November 2008.

In an attempt to offset the fee increases, night-time crossings (10pm - 6am) will be free.
There will no longer be any supplement for cars and vans towing trailers.


Charges to use the Dartford Crossing
With effect from 10pm - Saturday 15th November 2008

Cars
Day charges                  (6am - 10pm)
Cash: £1.50                            (Currently £1.00)



Night charges                (10pm - 6am)
Cash:  FREE                (Currently £1.00)


2 axle goods vehicles
Day charges                  (6am - 10pm)
Cash: £2.00                   (Currently £1.80)

Night charges                (10pm - 6am)
Cash: FREE                 (Currently £1.00)


Multi-axle goods vehicles
Day charges                   (6am - 10pm)
Cash: £3.70                   (Currently £2.90)

Night charges                (10pm - 6am)
Cash: FREE                 (Currently £1.00)

Dart Tags will attract better discounts than at present.


At the same time a discount scheme for local residents will be launched. The new discount scheme will see residents within the Dartford and Thurrock Council boundaries given 50 free crossings a year and then charged just 20p per subsequent crossing.

 

LONDON LOW EMISSIONS ZONE

As from 4th February 2008 only certain vehicles are able to enter an area of London that will be classified as a

LOW EMISSION ZONE

without paying a charge.

Use the links below to find information

        ZONE MAP         AFFECTED VEHICLES

The Low Emission Zone (LEZ) affects older, diesel-engined lorries, buses, coaches and large vans (exceeding 1.205 tonnes unladen weight) and minibuses.

It will also include other specialist vehicles that are derived from lorries and vans including; motorised horse boxes, breakdown and recovery vehicles, refuse collection vehicles, gritters, sweepers, concrete mixers, tippers, removals lorries, fire engines, motor caravans, ambulances and large hearses (over 2.5 tonnes) are also included.

Vehicles that do not meet the standard will still be able to enter the zone but will be subject to charges up to £200 per day.

Failure to pay the charge may result in large penalties.

Vehicles entering the Congestion Charge Zone are still liable for that charge.

 
Protem Ltd
Protem Ltd

Safeway
Safeway

Driver Fined for not obeying Highways Agency operative

The Highways Agency reports that a lorry driver has been fined £450 and
had his licence endorsed with three points after failing to follow the
directions of Highways Agency traffic officers at the Severn Bridge when
it was closed to high-sided vehicles.  He was also ordered to pay £500
costs.

On the morning of Thursday, 10 January the officers were implementing a
traffic filtering operation at the roundabout adjacent to the M48 Bridge
slip road at Newhouse.  Vehicles exceeding the 2.1 metres limit were
being directed back on to the M48.  Uniformed officers were with a
liveried, high-visibility patrol vehicle with red and amber flashing
lights.  Statutory signs warning vehicles about the height restrictions
had also been placed on all approach roads.  The driver claimed he had
mistaken the traffic officers for road workers.

Although Highways Agency traffic officers do not have police enforcement
powers they do posses powers to stop and direct in connection with the
management of traffic, including when height restrictions are in place.
Drivers ignoring traffic officers' instructions can receive multiple
points and a fine of up to pounds 1,000.  For the most serious offences they can
face even heavier penalties for dangerous driving.


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Illegal mobile phone use:


Drivers continue to use mobile phones on the move.

Not only is it a dangerous passtime, it can be expesive too.

A CU80 will appear on your licence will may restrict your ability to work for certain clients and will increase your car insurance.

The offences are:


* driving whilst using a hand-held mobile phone
* causing or permitting another person to drive while using a hand-held
  mobile phone
* driving a vehicle in a position which does not give proper control or a full
  view of the road and traffic ahead.

This offence can be used where a driver has been distracted by using a hands-free phone, or has driven 
 poorly by eating a sandwich

The inclusion of three penalty points also doubles the fixed penalty fine to £60.

If the police or driver chooses to take the case to court rather than use a fixed
penalty notice, the maximum fine is £1,000 (£2,500 for drivers of vans, lorries,
buses and coaches)

Be Aware. --- Best practice is not to answer the phone whilst driving at all. Check for missed calls when you stop!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Digital Tachographs


As you will probably be aware, from April last year, newly registered trucks and buses should be fitted with Digital Tachograph Recording Equipment.

This relates to any Commercial Vehicle with a gross weight of over 3.5 Tonnes. This means that most of Operators are operating Digital Tachograph equipped vehicles. This means that all drivers should be in possession of a Drivers card.This can be obtained from the DVLA by calling 0870 8501074.This is an automated request service where you can order your Information Pack and Application Form. The cost is £38.00 for your first card.

If you are seeking work as an HGV Driver, not having a card will seriously jepordise your chances of regular ongoing work.

Please call your Office if you require any further information or advice, and we will happily guide you through the process.

An interesting link for further information is: www.digitaltachograph.gov.uk

A few points to remember.

Once you have been issued with your card you MUST carry it with you all the time You should try to download your card before leaving customers premises.

You may take a print out every day  and return it in the same manner as an Analogue Chart.

It is required that a spare till roll is in the cab at the start of shift, include this in daily checks and request one if none there.

Manual entries can be made on the reverse of the print out and any duty time not recorded on the front must be entered manually on the reverse.

A lost card MUST be reported to Swansea.

If you have not obtained your first card you cannot drive any digitally equipped vehicle at all.

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