THE RHA is urging the government to reduce new bureaucracy on hauliers using longer semi-trailers, (LSTs) to encourage uptake.
New requirements are making the use of LSTs unworkable as operators are now expected to individually risk-assess every route. Drivers are also expected to hold copies of risk assessments and route plans.
The measures are due to come in from 30 November despite not being required during the 12 year LST trial.
The RHA had welcomed Department for Transport’s announcement that LSTs would be allowed on our roads from 31 May. But some RHA members are already parking up their LSTs as these processes are creating inefficiencies and driving up costs.
Richard Smith, RHA managing director, said: “Safety is our number one priority and we’ve had years of rigorous trials which have proven that LSTs are safe to be on our roads.