RHA International Bulletin - September 2008, No. 326
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STOP PRESS……… STOP PRESS……… STOP PRESS………
SPANISH DRIVING RESTRICTIONS
Unfortunately the Spanish driving restrictions issued this year are a little unfriendly. Questions have been asked to the International Department as to whether there are Sunday driving restrictions through October to December outside of the Basque Region (this was far clearer in last years version). Having queried the lack of information with the IRU and Spanish association we have been advised that the restrictions mentioned for Sunday 12th October (on the A3 and A7) also continue for every following Sunday until the end of the year. All other restricted dates are as per the complete list. The Basque Region, as many will know, has its own periods of driving restrictions.
REFLECTIVE HI-VIZ SAFETY VEST
Further to Bulletin 323 the following countries require that hi-viz vest/jackets are carried in ALL types of vehicle and are to be used in case of breakdowns or other emergency requiring drivers and any passengers to alight from the vehicle but remain by the roadside.
France, Austria, Croatia, Czech Rep, Finland, Italy, Portugal, Spain
Although the new regulation in France is not supposed to take effect until the 1st October, the AA have been receiving reports that the French are already fining motorists for not complying with the requirement to carry a vest and reflective triangle on board. The International Dept has been advising it's members of this requirement over several months, and suggests that you start to comply with it now.
GROUP NEWS
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT AUTUMN CONFERENCE
There are still places available for the Group's Autumn Conference to be held at Volvo in Gothenburg from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th November 2008. The title of the conference is "The Truck's Long (!) Term Future!". There will be an opportunity to have a drive in an LHV on the Volvo test track. For those wanting to have a look at the hotel, we will be staying at the Elite Park Avenue Hotel. Please find the Booking Form available at ANNEX A and we would ask you to return the form by the 10th October 2008. Fax: 01932 854526 or email international@rha.net
GENERAL
AUSTRIA – PARTIAL DRIVING BAN IN THE TYROL – A12 FOR WASTE MATERIALS
Bulletin 318 (January) informed members of the ban on the A12 from Langkapfen to Zirl, in both directions, on the movement of waste materials (as per the list of waste established according to Commission decision 2000/532/EC and amended decision 2001/573/EC). We have been advised that the EU Commission is due to look at the case and give an opinion this month as to whether this ban should be lifted.
To remind you, the Tyrolean authorities also want the driving ban to be extended as from the 1st January 2009 to include transport of:
- Round wood and cork
- Non-ferrous and ferrous ore
- Motor vehicles and trailers
- Steel, except from reinforcing steel and structural steel for construction sites
- Marble and tufa
- Ceramic tiles
DENMARK – ABNORMAL LOADS ON LANGELAND BRIDGE
ITD, the Danish Association has advised that, due to maintenance work on the Langeland Bridge, it will be closed to abnormal transport from the 30th September at 03:30hrs until 2nd October at 06:00hrs.
GERMANY – CABOTAGE RULES CONNECTED TO CONSTRUCTION SITE TRANSPORT
BGL, the German association advised that any foreign vehicle involved in transporting loads to German construction sites will be subject to the BAG (German Police Authorities) interpretation of the new cabotage rules. This means that if a vehicle has to move goods, even over short stretches of only a few hundred metres, they will be limited to doing this only 3 times within the site, and then they have to leave Germany.
Quite how this will be policed has yet to be seen, but you have been warned.
GERMAN/SWISS BORDER CONTROLS AT WEIL AM RHEIN
BGL, the German association wishes to remind and clarify an instruction in the handling of goods transport at the Weil am Rhein-Highway custom office that was introduced on the 1st May 2008. When a vehicle drives out of Switzerland and enters Germany, it enters a so- called "Provisionally Enlarged Customs Zone" (PEZA – Provisorisch Erweiterte Zollanlage) where the trucks' registration number is registered by a camera and transmitted to the Customs agents. Customs agents can therefore start customs formalities before the vehicle arrives at the actual border. During PEZA's opening hours, the camera replaces the "normal" presentation of the transport to the Customs. When the PEZA is closed however, drivers have to present the truck to Customs agents import transit building at the border and wait whilst customs formalities are completed. In both cases drivers MUST NOT leave the Customs before the handling has been completed.
GREECE – AMENDMENTS TO THE 2008 DRIVING RESTRICTIONS
OFAE, the Greek association have advised that there have been some amendments made to the 2008 driving restrictions. See ANNEX B.
HUNGARY – INTENSIFIED CONTROLS ON WEIGHTS & DIMENSIONS
MKFE, the Hungarian association has advised that with immediate effect, any truck entering Hungary, particularly from a non Schengen country (the UK is one), without the relevant permits and found to be exceeding the Hungarian weights and dimensions limits will be fined up to HUF 30,000 (weight) approx £1100, or HUH 20,000 (dimensions) approx £700. This will also apply to any permits where the information is deemed to be incorrect. In the latter case, there is a possibility that the fine may only be the difference between the weight/dimension quoted on the permits/special authorisation and the controlled weight/dims check.
It will be possible to have the weight of the vehicle checked and, if necessary, to have an authorisation issued at the following internal Schengen border crossing points: Rédics, Rábafüzes, Bucsu, Kópháza, Hegyeshalom, Rajka, Vámosszabadi, Parassapuszta, Somosköújfalu, Tornyosnémeti és Sátoraljaújhely.
There is no change in the system of issuance of special authorisations and fees for excess weight.
HUNGARY – RECONSTRUCTION OF THE TISZA BRIDGE
Reconstruction work has started on the Tisza Bridge at Zahony (Hungarian/Ukrainian border crossing point) Completion of work is expected in the Autumn 2009. Until then border crossing times might be longer.
ITALY – DRIVING OFFENCES
ITD would like to remind us that the Italian Codice Della Strada do not take kindly to drivers breaking their rules. It is reported that HGV vehicles are being seized in Italy and drivers being given penalties and temporary driving bans in Italy. Some hauliers have even had their vehicles impounded for up to 3 months.
Penalties for driving during the restricted periods range from 370 Euros to 1485 Euros and a possible suspension of a licence, whilst dangerous driving can impose a fine of up to 7100 Euros.
We have had experiences of UK drivers having their driving licences withheld for up to 3 months.
LATVIA – BORDER CROSSING DELAYS
Latvijas Auto, the Latvian association, wishes to clarify the reason why some vehicles are experiencing problems when trying to cross from Latvia into Russia or Belarus.
The Latvian National Customs Board has listed some of the reasons for the refusal to allow some vehicles to cross at Grebneva, Silene, Terehova and Paternieki :-
- The vehicle did not have a technical certificate;
- The tachograph was not working;
- The vehicle had no permit to perform a transport into Russia;
- The chosen border crossing point did not handle imported goods;
- The vehicle did not have a permission for quarantine;
- The phytosanitary/veterinary certificate was wrongly filled in or incomplete;
- The vehicle did not have a veterinary certificate or the certificate was wrong;
- The goods carried by the vehicle did not meet the veterinary requirements stated in the Russian legislation.
It is advised that double checks are made regarding the paperwork requirements to go along with the TIR Carnet for such journeys.
NORWAY – NEW TUNNEL ON THE RV 55 BETWEEN LUSTER AND SKJOLDEN
Construction work for a new tunnel on the RV55 between Luster and Skjolden is due to commence in the New Year. Work has already started on the trimming of the mountain which means that the road will closed to traffic in periods between 08:30 and 20:00 from Mondays to Saturday. This work will continue until 10th October.
POLAND – BORDER CROSSING POINT AT MEDYKA
Further to our Newsflash of 21st August 08, ZMPD advise that the modernisation work taking place at the border crossing of Medyka should be completed by the end of the year.
SLOVAKIA – UPDATED SPEED LIMITS
Cesmad Slovakia have provided us with a list of the updated speed limits in Slovakia
In built-up areas A = all-purpose roads B = Urban motorways Outside built-up areas C = All purpose roads D = Motorways In km/h A B C D Motor vehicles (GVW below 3.5tns) 60 80 90 130 Motor vehicles (GVW below 3.5t)
With trailer above 750kgs60 80 80 80 Other motor vehicles 60 80 80 80 SLOVENIA – DRIVING RESTRICTIONS
As advised in Newsflash 3280 dated 29.08.08, there have been some changes made to the Slovenian driving restrictions. A complete listing is available at ANNEX C.
TURKEY - NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR VEHICLES ENTERING/EXITING TURKEY
There has been an amendment to our Newsflash dated 26th August 08. The UND, Turkey, has advised that the new arrangements for vehicles entering/exiting the territory of the Republic of Turkey has been postponed until 31st December 2008 The new regulation stipulates that:
- A combination of tractor + trailer/semi-trailer registered abroad and entering/exiting Turkish territory is to be registered in the same country, except for international transport vehicles with ECMT license plates.
- Tractors/trucks registered in Turkey that drive abroad are to drive back to Turkey with the same trailer/semi-trailer with which they left the territory;
- The combination of tractor + trailer/semi-trailer registered in Turkey is to be registered under the same company;
We are studying the new Turkish regulation and investigating the reasons for its introduction.
Anyone wishing additional ECMT permits should contact IRFO 01223 531030.
We would be interested to hear from any member who may be affected by this new regulation or experiences difficulties.
BLIND SPOT MIRRORS
EU Directive 2007/38/EC requires the retrofit of rear view mirrors to give an improved rearward vision on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes GVW that were first registered after 1st January 2000 through to January 26th 2007. (Unless exempt)
The directive states that all in scope vehicles are equipped on the near side with mirrors or such devices to provide the improved field of vision. This can be achieved in by the following methods;
- One wide angle mirror and one close proximity mirror that provide the required field of view.
- One exterior rear view mirror and one wide angle mirror which combine to give the appropriate field of view.
- One wide angle mirror and one close proximity mirror which combine to give the appropriate field of view.
- One mirror which acts as both a wide angle and close proximity mirror and provides the appropriate field of view.
- Any other device
Option E, may be another suitable device such as a rear view camera (CCTV)
Since 2006 European Truck manufacturers have been fitting the revised rear view mirrors which should meet the EU Directive 2003/97/EC, so if your truck is equipped with mirrors that meet this directive there may be no need for you to carry out any retrospective changes.
Although vehicles have been fitted with both wide angle and close proximity mirrors for some time the increased field of view necessary under the Directive may require that a different mirror lens be fitted.
It is advisable to check with your vehicle supplier and if a retrofit is required you will need to make arrangements to unsure your vehicles fully comply.
The implementation date for the new Directive is 31 March 2009.
For further information contact Steve Biddle-Head of Technical Affairs s.biddle@rha.net
H M REVENUE & CUSTOMS – QUESTIONNAIRE – DOWNLADABLE TARIFF
HMRC would like to know reactions to their questionnaire concerning a downloadable version of the Tariff. Those interested are requested to complete the questionnaire to be found at ANNEX D by 3 October. Sorry about the short notice but we only just got it ourselves.
2008 JOINT INCOMES DATA SERVICES/RHA SURVEY OF PAY AND CONDITIONS IN ROAD TRANSPORT QUESTIONNAIRE
Ruth Pott – Director of Employment Affairs would like to invite you to complete the 2008 Joint Incomes Data Services/RHA Survey of Pay and Conditions in Road Transport questionnaire. The foreword to the questionnaire is the summary analysis of last years survey, which she hopes you will find useful and interesting. Participants in this years survey will get a copy of the full report, when published early next year. Ruth very much hopes you will be able to participate, your contribution would be greatly valued and appreciated. The questionnaire will need to be printed off, completed and then returned to the FREEPOST address on the front page of the questionnaire by Friday 3 October 2008.
If you want to take part, contact the international dept on 01932 841515 or email international@rha.net and a copy of the questionnaire can be emailed to you.
THE NAUTICAL INSTITUTE – ONE DAY SEMINAR
The South East England Branch of the Nautical Institute is organising a one day seminar entitled "The Carriage of Cargoes by Sea, The Safe Stuffing, Stowage and Securing of Cargo Transport Units on Ships" on the 12th November 2008 at the East Malling Conference Centre, East Malling.
Further information can be found at ANNEX E.
RHA RESCUE – NEW RHA RECOVERY SERVICE
RHA Rescue, our new rescue and recovery service for members, will be launched at 8am on 18 September 2008.
Breaking down shouldn't break the bank
Benefit from special discounted rates for members for roadside assistance and recovery. There's no need to pay up-front – simply register with RHA RescueRHA Rescue
Size doesn't matter
RHA Rescue will be managed by Lantern Recovery Specialists plc and will cater for all vehicles that you or your staff own or operate, from commercial vehicles to private cars, motorcycles and even mobility scooters.
A service for members, by members
Members of the RHA Rescue and Recovery Group will be given first call on incidents in their area, so if your vehicle breaks down, you'll probably find a fellow member has come to your rescue. To ensure a seamless transfer, the current telephone number for UK breakdowns, 0800 622 756, will be transferred to the new RHA Rescue service at the time of the launch and will also be valid from abroad by prefixing with +44, ie +44 (0) 800 622 756.
Don't have a breakdown just because your truck does
RHA Rescue will become known to the Highways Agency and the Police as Owner's Choice in the event of an incident. This means that you will have the option of using RHA Rescue as your preferred recovery operator. Displaying the RHA Rescue sticker in your vehicle windscreen will assist the Highways Agency and the Police and avoid any unnecessary delays in getting your truck recovered or back on the road.
The roadside service with a good bedside manner
Phone 0800 840 0838 now to register with RHA Rescue and make sure you'll be covered by our new pay-as-you-go service should the inevitable happen. You'll find friendly, knowledgeable staff who understand what you and your truck are going through and can arrange for the appropriate assistance to get you both up and running. You'll be sent free RHA Rescue stickers for your vehicles once your registration is complete.
Alternatively, email rharescue@lrs.uk.com with your contact details and someone will call you back.
HIGHWAYS AGENCY MAINTENANCE WORK
Projects that are underway or due to start.
M4 Junctions 5-7 Bridge Upgrade Scheme
There will be essential closures to the west and east sides of the M4 junction 6 Chalvey roundabout. Work will take place from the 12-21 September between 22:00hrs and 05:00hrs.
M20 Junction 4-5 Noise Barrier Update
The Highways Agency has postponed the works to install a new noise absorbent barrier on the M20 London bound between Teapot Lane and Hall Road.
EXCHANGE RATES
As at 12th September 2008 £1 = 1.2639 EURO
€1 = 0.9161 SDR (£7.63 per kg)Albanian Lek (new) 156.09 Macedonian Denar 77.37 Bosnia & Herzegovina Marka 2.47 Norwegian Krone 10.36 Bulgarian Lev 2.47 Polish Zloty 4.23 Croatian Kuna 8.98 Romanian New Leu 4.58 Czech Koruna 30.51 Russian Rouble 45.85 Danish Krone 9.42 Serbian Dinar 97.30 Estonian Kroon 19.78 Slovakian Koruna 38.24 Georgian Lari (new) 2.51 Swedish Krona 12.09 Hungarian Forint 304.23 Swiss Franc 2.01 Latvian Lats 0.89 Ukraine Hryvna 8.57 Lithuanian Litas 4.36 DIESEL PRICES IN EUROPE
The table below gives a summary of the average prices including VAT in local currency and sterling:
country euro/ local currency sterling pence country euro/local currency sterling pence Albania (new) 165.00 1.06 Latvia 0.79 0.89 Andorra € 1.05 0.83 Lithuania 3.92 0.90 Austria € 1.29 1.02 Luxembourg € 1.15 0.91 Belarus € 0.73 0.58 Macedonia 64.00 0.83 Belgium € 1.29 1.02 Kosovo (new) € 1.30 1.03 Bosnia &Herzegovina 2.48 1.00 Montenegro Rep. of € 1.15 0.91 Bulgaria 2.32 0.94 Netherlands € 1.33 1.05 Croatia 8.84 0.98 Norway 13.07 1.26 Czech Rep. 32.70 1.07 Poland 4.63 1.09 Denmark 10.55 1.12 Portugal € 1.30 1.03 Estonia 18.75 0.95 Romania 4.11 0.90 Finland € 1.33 1.05 Russia 24.97 0.54 France € 1.33 1.05 Serbia 96.60 0.99 Georgia (new) 2.25 0.90 Slovakia 43.02 1.13 Germany € 1.36 1.08 Slovenia € 1.17 0.93 Greece € 1.30 1.03 Spain € 1.21 0.96 Hungary 326.00 1.07 Sweden 14.04 1.16 Ireland € 1.30 1.03 Switzerland 2.09 1.04 Italy € 1.40 1.11 Ukraine 6.75 0.79 RHA NATIONAL TRAINING COURSES
Available courses. "Managing Your Operator Licence" and "Train the Trainer 5 Day Course". Flyers for both these courses can be found at ANNEX F and ANNEX G respectively.
Further information regarding the courses available can be found at the website www.rha.net/rha-national-training
BENEVOLENT FUND – CENTURIONS SCHEME
The winners of the RHA Benevolent Fund - Centurions Scheme for August 2008
- 1st prize - £125.00 - Joseph Rice & Son Ltd - Gloucester
- 2nd prize - £75.00 - Frampton's Transport Services Ltd - Somerset
- 3rd prize - £50.00 - Mr J Hancock - Lincs
Details on how the Centurions Scheme works and how to join are obtainable from James Falkner, Secretary of the RHA Benevolent Fund at Weybridge on 01932 841515.
SERVICES ON OFFER
Secure Parking
Wolf International, a long standing International Group member is able to offer, by prior arrangement, secure parking (only) at their site near the M25 to the East of London. There is CCTV, security and 24 hour access.
For further information please contact Bill Batho, Tel: 0044 (0)7764 225 852, Fax: 0044 (0) 1375 840545, email: info@silverwolfgroup.net
An Italian trailer maker wants a UK Partner
An Italian trailer maker, specialising in bulkers, primarily for carrying powders and granulated products such as dry cement or grain, wants a British partner, for co-operation.
If you are interested, contact Russell Murty at the SMMT on 0207 344 9229 rmurty@smmt.co.uk
THE RHA HAS NO LIABILITY FOR THE GOODS OR SERVICES OFFERED ABOVE
OUR THANKS TO THE SOURCES OF SOME OF THIS INFORMATION PARTICULARLY ITD (DENMARK) AND THE IRU IN GENEVA
