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FUTURE LEGISLATION
Page 41
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• Brit disc. The government has announced that it will take forward the introduction of a road-user charge for foreign operators, similar to the existing continental Eurovignette. UK operators would also have to pay the new fee of about £750 a year, but this would be offset by reductions in other taxes.
• New EU drivers' hours rules. The European Commission has published proposals for updating regulation 3820/85. These include a 30-minute break requirement after three hours' driving, a daily rest period of 12 hours and the removal of the 36 hour weekly rest provision. Anticipated date of implementation is from January 2004.
• Traffic signs regulations: A consultation document has been published on proposed changes to these regs. Bus stops may become no-go areas for vehicle unloading, even at night when there are no buses. Changes are being considered to signs indicating loading and waiting restrictions. Details from DoT.
• Driver training A draft EU Directive requiring compulsory basic and on-going training for vocational drivers has been published, together with a consultation paper from the Driving Standards Agency. This seeks views on several proposals including hours of training, syllabus content and grandfather rights.
• !lumber plates: DVLA is inviting replies to a consultation paper on the display of smaller-than-standard lettering on number plates in special cases (imports and motorcycles).
• Trailer regstration: The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency has announced proposals to introduce requirements for trailers over 1,020kg unladen weight to be registered. The new regulations are likely to be retrospective.
• DMA* tests: The Driving Standards Agency has issued a document inviting comments on European Commission proposals on changes to driving tests. These include an enhanced theory test for vocational drivers as well as the use of larger and heavier vehicles.
• Consultation paper: The FISE has published a consultation paper seeking views on proposals for a new duty on employers to investigate accidents, dangerous incidents and diseases. The HSE claims reporting levels for accidents at the workplace are poor, and causes need to be better understood if improvements are to be implemented. For more details contact the HSE on 020 7717 6426.