EDITOR’S PICKS
London’s changing! How will you be affected?
This year, London was the site of many changes. With the Ultra Low Emission Zone expanding, engine specifications for HGV updating, the implementation of the new Direct Vision Standard, and an update to the Highway Code, a lot has happened that could affect your work and travels. However, if you are operating a Bucher Municipal sewer cleaner these rulesmay not apply…
The current Direct Vision Standard announced in 2021 means an HGV vehicle must meet at least a 1 out of 5 star safety requirement in order to be permitted within London, and going forward into 2024, HGV’s rating below 3 stars will not be allowed within some London borders without facing a penalty fine. These safety features focus on how much direct vision the driver has of the road, cyclists and pedestrians while inside the cab. If your vehicle does not meet the requirements set out by Transport For London, then there are measures that can be implemented in order to improve the field of vision for vehicles. These include camera monitoring systems, sensor systems, driver alerts, and class V/VI mirrors.
Bucher Municipal believe that the safety of road users is paramount. In 2013 alone, HGV’s were involved in over 60% of incidents leading to cyclist fatalities in London. This isn’t an isolated issue - high mortality rates that involve HGV’s are nationwide. HGV’s make up only 2% of the vehicles on the road across Europe but are involved in 15% of fatal road collisions.
These figures have prompted other European cities to follow in London’s footsteps, nine other major cities including Berlin, Paris and Stockholm have also agreed to introduce a direct vision standard, therefore it is only a matter of time before other UK cities follow suit.
Sewer cleaners however are exempt from this new law. Being stationary while working and the necessity of sewer cleaners in
24 | March 2022 |
www.draintraderltd.com
By Bucher Municipal
London means any sewer cleaner operating within these borders do not need to make these direct vision changes and will not incur a fine. They do still need to apply for a permit through the TFL website, but this is free and a very quick process.
Similarly, as of the end of January this year, new Highway Code regulations were set in place to protect more vulnerable road users. All road users must follow these new laws. The main change that has the most impact on HGV’s is the new road user hierarchy, whereby the vehicle (or user) that could cause more damage in a collision, takes more responsibility. Another change is that pedestrians are given more right of way at junctions and crossings, with those waiting to cross having the right of way over vehicles turning into or out of those roads.
The ULEZ was introduced as a need to improve air quality and the health of those in the capital.
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