Planned legislative changes to affect coach and freight operators
Haulage
15th February 2010
A series of new regulations planned by the government that will affect the UK's freight and haulage market is forcing bus and coach operators to keep abreast of any changes to current legislation. Failure to comply with new rules coming into force could affect cover or lead to an insurance claim.
Hauliers are being alerted to new proposals to simplify and streamline the current system of speed limits for coaches, buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK, which have been put forward by the Department for Transport (DfT). Under the plans, both new models fitted with speed limiters and older vehicles will be subject to the same restrictions.
Road safety minister Paul Clark has claimed that current variations can confuse motorists and the proposed changes will "provide clarity for everybody - drivers, operators, other motorists and the police". The alternations include imposing a limit of 65mph for all buses, minibuses and coaches with space for nine or more people, in addition to a motorway maximum speed of 60mph for all HGVs weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. Such models will also be subject to restrictions on their use of the right-hand lane of highways.
The DfT has lobbied for the new system in order to incentivise businesses to invest in greener and safer vehicles and to bring an end to confusion, with the reduced 65 mph speed limit also applicable to any dual-purpose vehicles and motor-caravans exceeding 3.05 tonnes or adapted to carry eight or more passengers.
Freight companies and hauliers are also advised that issues relating to climate change and sustainability are playing a growing role in the transportation industry. A recent report by AT Kearney revealed that six per cent of leading firms have deselected suppliers for failing to address green issues and more than half (56 per cent) plan to do so in the future. With companies of all sizes attempting to reduce the impact of their supply chains on the environment, it is advisable that businesses start to implement green policies in order to retain existing customers and win more contracts.
Advising companies to seek advice from a specialist in insurance for transportation companies, Howard Pearson, retail managing director of Giles Insurance Brokers Ltd, said: "With changes taking place both legislatively and in the approach by companies to their supply chains, it is of vital importance that firms operating in the sector are aware of their responsibilities and have comprehensive cover in case of a breach or the loss of a key customer.
"Investment in greener vehicles or technology in order to reduce carbon emissions could also alter the level of insurance required and the details of policies so that regular monitoring of the impact of changes to such documents must take place."
Meanwhile, the UK's transport and communications sector is predicted to expand by 2.6 per cent each year between 2010 and 2014, according to a study carried out by analyst Companies and Markets.
Giles Insurance can source policies and products for those in the haulage and transportation sector to from across the UK market, including, but not limited to, goods in transit, employers liability, fleet and public liability cover.
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