RHA International Bulletin - October 2008, No. 327
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STOP PRESS……… STOP PRESS……… STOP PRESS………
GROUP NEWS
The International Group wishes to congratulate Geoff Dunning, currently the Northern Regional Director, on his promotion to the position of Chief Executive when Roger King retires in May.
The best of luck Geoff.
GENERAL
AUSTRIA – DRIVING RESTRICTION ON A12 MOTORWAY
AISÖ, Vienna, has asked us to remind members that, as mentioned in the 2008 driving restrictions booklet, Euro 2 trucks will no longer be allowed to drive on the A12 motorway (Tyrol) as of 1st November 2008.
AUSTRIA – NEW RAIL/ROAD CONNECTION
From the being of October, a new rail/road connection has been introduced between Wels in Austria and Spacva in Croation. This is a joint venture by the Austrian combi company ÖKOMBI and the Croatians CROKOMBI.
Further information can be found at www.oekombi.at
CANARY ISLANDS
A recent incident has highlighted the care needed to transport goods to and from the Canary Islands.
The Canaries are allowed to operate their own Customs regime, and EU rules that apply to the free movement of duty paid goods do not all apply in the Canaries. In particular anyone carrying personal effects for others must ensure that the goods are being imported within 6 months of any property being purchased on the islands and must not arrive before the property has been formally purchased without making sure that any importation is cleared first.
Full details can be obtained through:
The Spanish Chamber of Commerce
126 Wigmore Street
London W1U 3RZ
< ahref="mailto:info@spanishchamber.co.uk">info@spanishchamber.co.uk
Tel.: +44 (0)20 7009 9070
Fax: +44 (0)20 7009 9088CZECH REPUBLIC – UPDATES TO THE WINTER EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Please see attached at ANNEX A an updated list of winter equipment requirements in the Czech Rep.
FRANCE – NEW TRUCK STOP IN MARCK (NEAR CALAIS)
A new truck stop is being opened by the Polley Groupe in Marck, near Calais.
Built on 25 acres of land close to Calais, situated on the edge of the A16/A26 motorway (Junction 48). There will be space for 290 lorries 24/7. Contact Polley on the website below for a quote.
Polley Secured Lorry Park
Transmarck Lieu Dit
La Croix Rouge
Avenue de la Liberte
62730 Marck en Calais
www.polley-transports.comFRANCE – MONT BLANC RATES
For information, confirmation has been received from the Mont Blanc Tunnel that Euro 5 rated vehicles will be charged at the same rate as Euros 2, 3 & 4
FRANCE – FREJUS TUNNEL - MAINTENACE WORK ON SUNDAYS
Although refrigerated HGVs over 7.5tns are able to run on Sundays, we have belatedly been advised that the Frejus Tunnel will be closed to refrigerated and live stock traffic for short periods on Sunday mornings (0800 – 0900hrs) and afternoons (1700 – 1800hrs) from 15th September until 30th April 2009.
GERMANY – TIE DOWN SCHEME
We have heard of recent cases where the German authorities have fined UK operators for not tying down loads in accordance with German rules.
The current EU agreement allows Member States to use a number of tie down schemes, but each Member State can insist on one standard among the acceptable options.
Members are advised to check with their consignees or if transiting Germany that their tie down scheme is acceptable to all authorities en-route. The link to the Commission website for road transport cargo securing is:http://ec.europa.eu/transport/roadsafety/vehicles/best_practice_guidelines_en.htm
Steve Biddle, RHA Technical Manager advises that if you fall foul of this legislation and want to try an appeal against any fines, you should provide us with as much information as possible, eg. details of what you have been charged with – loose load, not enough straps/mats etc, what was being carried and an honest description of how it was being secured.
GERMANY – INCREASE TO MAUT CHARGES
Whilst confirmation is still to be received from the Parliament of the Federal States in November, BGL, the German Association advise that it is almost a certainty that the fees will be increased in January 2009. The new rates will be advised as soon as they become available.
GERMANY – LOW EMISSION ZONES
Munich, Frankfurt Main and parts of the Ruhr are the latest to join the low emission charging zones.
In the cities of Berlin, Hannover, Köln, Dortmund, Ilsfeld, Leonberg, Ludwigsburg, Mannheim, Reutlingen, Schwäbisch Gmünd, Stuttgart, Tübingen, Pleidelsheim, Bochum, Bottrop, Duisburg, Essen, Frankfurt/Main, Gelsenkirchen, München, Oberhausen and Recklinghausen lorries, busses and passenger cars must be provided with a green, yellow or red low emission zone label in order to have access to the centres of the cities. In Dortmund (Brackeler Strasse) it is however only the green and yellow label that give access.
The low emission labels are issued according to the vehicle's euro norm. This applies to all vehicles – also vehicles registered abroad – comprising commercial transport, inhabitants and tourists. A low emission label is valid in all German low emission zones.
It is not clear from the various websites as to whether Euro 5 rated vehicles need to have low emission stickers. BGL, the German association have confirmed that Euro 5 vehicles do need to purchase a green sticker.
NORWAY – REGULATION CHANGES TO WINTER TYRE REQUIREMENTS.
From the 1st November, the Norwegian Association advise that changes to winter tyre requirements will come into force. The main changes to the legislation are: increased demands for tread depth, specifications of the number of snow chains a vehicle must carry and space for usage as well as an increased demand for winter tyres to be used.
"Ordinary tyres" can still be employed during the winter period (1st Nov – Monday after Easter Monday) provided that the tread pattern depth is at least 3mm, that the required number of adjustable snow chains are carried and that the vehicle is constructed in a way that there is room for snow chains to be fitted.
Further information can be found at the following site – however only in Norwegian. http://www.lastebil.no/xp/pub/loddrett_venstre/nyheter/374750
Winter tyres are still recommended by the association when driving in Scandinavian countries.
NORWAY – REQUIREMENTS REGARDING WOODEN PACKING MATERIALS
As from the 1st January 2009, the Norwegian authorities require that wooden packing materials that is to be imported to Norway must be treated and ISPM marked. The new requirement is to avoid the import of pests and crop diseases into Norway. Pallets and other wooden packing materials originating from EU/EEC countries or non EU countries must be either heat-treated or gassed and labelled according to treatment.
The labels must contain IPPC's logo, treatment codes, ISO country code and the producer's registration number.
Treatment codes:
DB - Debarked
HT - Heat Treated
MB – Treated with Methyl BromideSLOVENIA – ELECTRONIC TOLL PAYMENT SYSTEM
Slovenia has introduced a new electronic toll payment system. As from the 1st October 08 it is possible to pay via an electronic ABC box place on the windscreen.
The advantage of the new payment scheme is that it removes the necessity to stop at the toll booths in order to pay the toll. Instead vehicles fitted with the new box can drive through the booths (at a speed not greater that 40kpm). The price of the new ABC box is 53 euros and various payment options are available. The life expectancy of the box is approx. 7 years. The box can be purchased at the Slovenian toll booths.
SOUTHERN IRELAND – HEIGHT CHANGES
The Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., has made the above Regulations providing for a maximum vehicle height limit of 4.65 metres. These Regulations come into force on 1 November 2008 for new vehicles and a period of 5 years (until 1 November 2013) is being provided for the phasing out of existing vehicles that exceed the height limit.
Copies of the above Regulations may be purchased from the Government Publications Sale Office, Sun Alliance House, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 or by mail order from Government Publications, Unit 20 Lakeside Retail Park, Claremorris, Co. Mayo under Ref: PRN. A8/1444 for €1.27.
TURKEY – VEHICLES ENTERING/EXITING
Further to the September Bulletin, the new regulation for vehicles entering/exiting Turkey comprising of a tractor unit with a different country of registration from the trailer/semi-trailers and who is not carrying an ECMT permit, must report to the Turkish Customs authorities who will inform the Turkish Ministry of Transport of the vehicles number plates. The Ministry will then issue the relevant authorisation through an online system. This procedure takes from one to two hours. There will be some flexibility in the implementation of the new regulation and a transition period is foreseen until 31st December 2008.
DRUG SCREENING
Dtec International says its DrugWipe system offers bus, coach, truck and van operators a quick, easy way to screen their people for illegal drug use. "The industry best practice test involves a simple, non-invasive, five-second wipe on the skin," said Ean Lewin, MD. "The system gives the result, without an electronic reader in five minutes, allowing a 'clear' driver to proceed safely." If, however the result is positive, Dtec will have a specialist subcontractor on site in two hours to arrange legally defensible laboratory screening. "We can provide Home Office Traffic Police specification breathalysers for alcohol sampling at the same time. Screening improves safety and cuts potential corporate manslaughter liability." Lewin says the policy will pay for itself by cutting downtime from repairs to damage caused by "misjudgement". More from Ean Lewin on +44 (0)7 768 252 197 or ean.lewin@dtecinternational.com
EUROVIGNETTE TICKETS – DOVER PORT
We understand that it is no longer possible to buy Eurovignette tickets from the Norfolk Line Ferry Terminal at Dover, in future it will only be possible to buy them when sailing on a Norfolk Line Ferry. For a list of Eurovignette selling points in the UK & Europe go to website: www.ages.de/dokumente/de/GBS/List_of_GBS-POS.pdf
A point of sale in France on the D601 and has confirmed that eurovignettes are on sale there. Details are:- SARL Au Pont de Ghyvelde in Ghyvelde, 376 Route de Furnes, Ghyvelde 59254, France Tel: 0033 3 28582244. Opening hours are Monday – Friday 07:00hrs to 22:00hrs, Saturdays 07:00 – 20:00hrs, Closed on Sundays.
If you get into Belgium on the A16 and head to Veurne, the Veurne Truck Stop, Nijverheidstraat 1, Veurne 8630 also sell the eurovignettes. Opening hours weekdays 07:00 – 23:00hrs, Saturday 10:00hrs to 14:00hrs, Closed on Sundays. We have been advised that if you have reached the French border and failed to purchase your eurovignette, Veurne is the closest safe stop. If you are stopped by the authorities a fine can be imposed, but explain that you are on route to the Veurne Truck stop and hopefully you will be let off.
FALSE ESCORTS
A trailer load of PCs was ready to go from Amsterdam to Paris when the consignor received a call, claiming to be from a well-known trucking security company, asking that the truck be held to await arrival of the escort. Fortunately, the transport department knew that the shipper had not asked for escorts. The police were called and a dummy truck was prepared while the real truck's departure was re-scheduled. Unfortunately, no "escort" vehicle appeared.
This is an old trick more common in Eastern European countries where escorts are regularly used. The con seems to have caught on in our near abroad.
FREIGHT CRIME ALERT FROM TRUCKPOL
Truckpol report two areas of concern where operators and drivers need to be vigilant.
West Yorkshire Police are advising LVGs to avoid parking at the Ferrybridge Moto Services on the M62, J33 in Pontefract. At present large volumes of road freight crimes are being experienced, mainly involving curtain slashing offences.
There have been 3 reported attacks on drivers in an area locally known as "Muckley Corner" located at the junctions of the A5 and A461 in Lichfield, Staffs.
ID CARDS FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
The Home Secretary recently released details of the identity card for foreign nationals. You will find at ANNEX D a letter about the project and the level 1 guidance, which will help you to be familiar with the card's design and make it easier to ensure that any card presented after 25th November is valid
H M CUSTOMS & EXCISE
TARIFF CLASSIFICATION ADVICE SERVICE
The Tariff Classification Advice Service will be closed for business from Wednesday 5th November until Wednesday 12th November. This is to facilitate the move of all advice staff to a new office in Alexander House, Southend.
During this period the telephone advice service will be unavailable and it is unlikely that any Binding Tariff Information (BTI) Rulings will be issued.
Businesses and individuals can continue to use the electronic tariff on the Business Link website to classify their own goods. The web address is: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/tariff?s=sl
The new postal address for the unit from Monday 10th November will be:
H M Revenue & Customs
Tariff Classification Service
10th Floor South East
Alexander House
21 Victoria Avenue
Southend on Sea
Essex SS99 1AACHANGES TO COUNTRY CODES ON CHIEF
The Export Control System (ECS) and Import Control System (ICS) has identified problems arising when goods are traded between certain countries and it has been established that this is due to the country codes of the CHIEF system not being compliant with EU codes.
From January 2009, the country codes on CHIEF will be amended and reflect the existing EU list.
POST CLEARANCE RECOVERY ACTION OF AN IMPORT VAT DEBT
HM Revenue & Customs have identified that there is inconsistent handling of post clearance recovery of Import VAT. Further information can be found on the Information Paper attached at ANNEX B.
IMPROVED ANTI-SIPHON FROM TISS
Tiss Security Systems has an improved version of its successful TankSafe Standard anti-siphon. The firm says the new 'TankSafe' Standard anti-siphon gives 27% more siphoning protection than the previous Tiss design and 30% more than the nearest competitor. It also allows a faster fuel fill rate. "The recent 50% increase in fuel theft means effective protection is now a necessity," said Silvia Vitale for the firm, which claims it is the world's leading anti-siphon provider. More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com
HIGHWAYS AGENCY – NOTICE OF WORKS
M1 Junctions 1-4 – Due to replacement work on the overhead gantries on the M1 between Junctions 1 – 4, it will be necessary to close these junctions during the following periods:
- Saturday 15th November 08 21:00hrs – 09:00
A full closure of both north and southbound carriageways. There will be no access to The London Gateway Services (The Days Hotel will remain open). - Saturday 22nd November 08 21:00 – 09:00
Closure to the northbound carriageway with a lane 3 closure on the southbound carriageway. London Gateway Services will remain open for southbound traffic only. - Saturday 29 November 08 21:00 – 09:00
Closure of the southbound carriageway with a lane 3 on the northbound carriageway. London Gateway Services will remain open for northbound traffic only.
These closures will also work to be done more quickly and keep delays to road users at a minimum. Approval for the night closures on the 6th December has also been granted should, for any reason a planned closure not be able to take place.
During these closures traffic will be redirected to use the A41 and A1, the diversion route will be clearly signposted. Visitors to the Days Hotel London North should contact the hotel for further information and advice as to how to access the hotel 0208 906 7000 www.DaysInn.com
- Saturday 15th November 08 21:00hrs – 09:00
LD LINES – NEW FERRY BETWEEN DOVER AND BOULOGNE
It has been reported in IFW that the Port of Dover has approved the introduction of a new ferry crossing between Dover and Boulogne to be operated by LD Lines and to commence in July 2009.
MOTORWAY SERVICE STATION – PARKING TARIFFS
Previously sent with the August Bulletin (325), there has been some amendments to the tariffs for Roadchef and Moto service station. Welcome Break's tariff remains unchanged. Please see ANNEX C.
ON-LINE BENCHMARKING
This system allows operators to input data on their vehicles anonymously and receive feedback on their performance compared with other data in the system. The current focus is on fuel consumption and safety, measured by incidents per 100,000km. There are various ways that contributors can develop reports that ensure - as far as possible - that they are comparing like with like.
The system is completely anonymous, with each operator only able to see their own data compared with other, anonymous data.
Anyone interested in taking this up should contact John Miles at Faber Maunsell on 0161 927 8387 or contact http://www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/default.aspx?appid=1965
POLICE WARNING ON FUEL THEFT
Following a 50% rise in fuel theft, police forces are warning people about the risks. Typical of these initiatives is the Kent Police website's 'fuel theft advice' document, which strongly recommends the use of anti-siphon devices as one of the most effective measures to tackle this problem. More from Silvia Vitale on +44 (0)1 253 400 401 or silvia.vitale@tissltd.com
EXCHANGE RATES
As at 20th October 2008 £1 = 1.2875 EURO
€1 = 0.8793 SDR (£7.32 per kg)Albanian Lek (new) 157.02 Macedonian Denar 78.22 Bosnia & Herzegovina Marka 2.52 Norwegian Krone 11.32 Bulgarian Lev 2.52 Polish Zloty 4.62 Croatian Kuna 9.26 Romanian New Leu 4.68 Czech Koruna 32.40 Russian Rouble 45.23 Danish Krone 9.60 Serbian Dinar 104.63 Estonian Kroon 20.15 Slovakian Koruna 39.23 Georgian Lari (new) 2.42 Swedish Krona 12.82 Hungarian Forint 346.00 Swiss Franc 1.97 Latvian Lats 0.91 Ukraine Hryvna 9.33 Lithuanian Litas 4.45 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 1.05 Kosovo (new) €1.15 0.89 Andorra €0.96 0.75 Latvia 0.75 0.82 Austria €1.20 0.93 Lithuania 3.58 0.80 Belarus €0.73 0.57 Luxembourg €1.05 0.82 Belgium €1.19 0.92 Macedonia 60.00 0.77 Bosnia &Herzegovina 2.29 0.91 Montenegro Rep. of €1.10 0.85 Bulgaria 2.13 0.85 Netherlands €1.20 0.93 Croatia 8.43 0.91 Norway 12.20 1.08 Czech Rep. 31.40 0.97 Poland 4.24 0.92 Denmark 9.18 0.96 Portugal €1.21 0.94 Estonia 16.60 0.82 Romania 4.00 0.85 Finland €1.18 0.65 Russia 24.88 0.55 France €1.20 1.05 Serbia 88.90 0.85 Georgia (new) 2.05 0.85 Slovakia 40.41 1.03 Germany €1.27 0.99 Slovenia €1.15 0.89 Greece €1.26 0.98 Spain €1.09 0.85 Hungary 315.00 0.91 Sweden 12.54 0.98 Ireland €1.27 0.99 Switzerland 1.99 1.01 Italy €1.30 1.01 Ukraine 6.50 0.70 RHA RESCUE
RHA Rescue copy can be viewed on the RHA website both in the 'Business Services' section and in the 'What's New' section. There is also a link called 'Rescue and Recovery Industry Sector Review' under 'RHA Rescue' link in the 'What's New' section, which has information about the RHA Rescue and Recovery Group conference and masked ball in Leeds on Saturday 22 November.
RHA PETERBOROUGH
TRAINING
Driver CPC Training the Trainer – 5 Day Course. Demand for these courses is increasing. The Training Dept at RHA Peterborough suggest you book early to avoid disappointment.
NEW PRODUCT AVAILABLE AT THE HAULIERS SHOP
The Driver Guard. Designed to automatically notify the driver when an impending break period is due. Contact the Hauliers Shop on 01733 261131.
END OF LINE TACHOGRAPH CHARTS
The Hauliers shop has a sale on for end of line tacho charts. Contact the shop for information on the product lines available.
BENEVOLENT FUND – CENTURIONS SCHEME
The winners of the RHA Benevolent Fund - Centurions Scheme for September 2008:
- 1st prize - £125.00 - Mr W Parlane - Cheshire
- 2nd prize - £75.00 - Mr J Wilkinson – Greater Manchester
- 3rd prize - £50.00 - Mr S Abel MBE -Buckinghamshire
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.
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
