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Changes to PartnerNet
PartnerNet is now served from a new Our Partners area of the HA website. Further changes are planned to improve the way we deliver information to our partners.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Efficiency Gains from Collaborative Roads Procurement
Delivering efficiency and best value is central
Questions & Answers
November 2009
Hazardous Loads - ADR Regulations
The TIM Magazine has recently been informed of the changes that have been made to ADR regulations. The below changes will have an impact on how information has bee obtained at incidents involving dangerous goods previously.
- ADR regulations changed in 2009 and no longer require drivers or transport companies to carry TREM cards. They do however still have to carry 'Information in Writing'. This is a generic piece of information, but is load specific as far as action to be carried out in the case of an emergency.
- The 'Information in Writing' only has to be in the language of the driver, and not in any other language.
Previously in the Bulletin we have mentioned the use of TREM cards and how they can assist in identifying dangerous materials travelling on the network. As a result, responders will now have to use alternative sources to obtain this information.
UK Spill - Clearing up oil spills
The Highways Agency deals with a large number of incidents involving oil spills each year. As a result, many of these incidents require specialist contractors to be used to assist in their clear-up operations. Therefore to ensure this is conducted in a timely and efficient manner, the contractor must use the correct equipment, have the required level of expertise and comply with all associated environment legislation.
To assist in identifying the most appropriate organisation, the TIM team has been made aware of UK Spill who runs an accreditation / membership scheme for companies who are engaged in the clean up of oil spills.
For further information on this scheme and how it can assist, please follow the link.
The UK Spill site is recommended by the Environment Agency.
Traffic Incident Prevention and Partnerships - Unsecure Loads
In January 2009 edition of the Bulletin we included a feature on the Traffic Incident Prevention and Partnerships (TIPP) team who are responsible for looking into ways of reducing the number of incidents on the strategic road network. The article highlighted the various projects they are currently involved in and what they plan to achieve.
As part of their role, the TIPP team has recently formed a partnership with the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to help prevent incidents on the strategic road network involving unsecure loads. The partnership is currently working with the Freight Transport Association and the Road Hauliers Association to explain to their members about the dangers of not properly securing their loads.
The TIPP team has already helped VOSA and the HSE with joint-working trials on the network which have targeted drivers of badly-loaded vehicles. This is the first time VOSA and the HSE have worked together in this way.
The Highways Agency's network carries two-thirds of all freight traffic, and each year Traffic Officers and Service Providers are required to remove large quantities of debris and shed loads from live carriageways. This brings various issues to the Highways Agency including:
- Safety risks to other road users
- Requires the Highways Agency's staff to spend more time working in live lanes on the network
- Disruption to road users
Steve Forgham from TIPP comments:
"We are working with our partner organisations to educate hauliers about the best way to secure their loads. Much of it is common sense; however the number of shed loads on our network indicates that some people are not taking simple precautions. We hope this will enable us, and others, to work with hauliers to ensure they make their deliveries on time and the Highways Agency operates a safe and efficient road network."
TIPP has developed an educational leaflet and publicity strategy to ensure the key messages of securing loads are communicated to all stakeholders, most importantly the hauliers which frequently use the network.
The leaflet which is being distributed by the HSE and VOSA within their publications will also be inserted in the latest edition of Moving On; VOSA's magazine for lorry and bus drivers. The Police are also using them as part of their safety events around the country.
Has this article been worth reading Please take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts, or questions. Email TIMBulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk
