Success of Task Force means end of the road for illegal HGV’s

ReturnLoads.net can confirm that after 6 successful months, the Industrial HGV Task Force will continue with its crackdown on illegal trucks.
 
Funded by Transport for London and the Department for Transport, the trial was to crackdown on non-compliant HGV operators and drivers and act as a deterrent to companies who try to undercut those operating legitimately.
 
It also ensures that every 3.5 tonne vehicle has sideguards and mirrors to give drivers a better view to protect cyclists and pedestrians from danger.
 
The task force, including Metropolitan and City of London Police services and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, has targeted and stopped over 1,960 trucks on London’s roads.
 
Out of those stopped 24 vehicles were seized, 15 prosecutions made and 519 fixed penalty notices given for a variety of infringements including, no safeguard equipment, inaccurate recording of driving hours and lack of insurance.
 
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, said, “The task force has carried out some sterling work raising the profile of road safety and deterring dangerous vehicles from London.
 
“Making it a regular fixture on our streets makes perfect sense and sends the message out loud and clear that unsafe and illegal lorries simply aren’t welcome in the Capital.”
Transport Minister Stephen Hammond stated that the work of the organisation underlines the necessity of having targeting HGVs and stopping them.
 
“We are determined to do all we can to tackle dangerous HGVs, which are a safety risk to cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists,” he added.
 
The news comes as the European Parliament is set decide on new rules to make trucks safer and more fuel-efficient.
 
One of the proposed changes set to be instigated on the industry is the introduction of rounder cab profiles and bigger windows in an attempt to increase visibility.
 
ReturnLoads.net will report more on the story when news is available.

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