TruckandTrackWinter2019FB

Truck and Track Winter 2019 www.truckandtrack.com 16 BUSINESS NEWS ■■ Vehicles that are more than two metres wide or two metres high, or goods vehiclesweighingmore than two tonnes gross vehicle weight have been banned from the Rotherhithe Tunnel since September 2018 ■■ Goods vehicles weighing more than two tonnes will now be fined each time they break the restrictions – with no limit to the number of fines per day Transport for London (TfL) is making enforcement of vital safety restrictions in the Rotherhithe Tunnel stricter to stop vehicles that are more than two metres (six foot six inches) wide or two metres high, or goods vehicles weighing more than two tonnes, from endangering other road users by entering the tunnel. Since February, enforcement of the weight restriction has been carried out by cameras and people driving prohibited vehicles through the tunnel have been fined up to £130 per day. To give people the chance to get used to the new restrictions, for the first two weeks, TfL sent letters to drivers caught breaking the rules rather than issuing fines. Since then, TfL has used its discretion to limit prohibited vehicles to one fine per day. However, TfL has continued to see a number of repeat offences by prohibited vehicles. To keep people in the tunnel safe, drivers of prohibited vehicles will now receive a fine for each journey through the tunnel. TfL is alsowriting to vehicle rental companies to ask themto remind their customers of the safety restrictions in place at the tunnel. Glynn Barton, TfL’s Director of Network Management, said: “Safety is our top priority and these restrictions are absolutely essential to ensure that people can continue to use the Rotherhithe Tunnel safely. People driving vehicles through the tunnel that do not meet the restrictions are putting both themselves and others at risk. I would encourage all users of the tunnel to check that their vehicle is below two metres in height and width, and that goods vehicles are less than two tonnes in weight, so that they are compliant with the new penalties.” TfL is working on proposals to physically prevent vehicles higher than two metres entering the tunnel. The tunnel, whichwas built in 1908, was not designed to cope with modern levels of traffic. Safety is TfL’s top priority and in September 2018 it carried out detailed analysis of the tunnel’s ventilation system, whichwould be used to extract smoke and other dangerous fumes in the event of a fire. This showed that the tunnel’s ventilation system would be not be able to cope when dealing with fires involving larger and heavier vehicles. New restrictions were therefore vital to ensure road users could continue to use the tunnel safely, whilst TfL works on plans for the tunnel’s future. By not complying with restrictions at the tunnel, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk. TfL is due to set out its plans for the future of the Rotherhithe Tunnel this autumn as part of its annual Business Plan. The plan will set out how TfL intends to finance the repairs necessary to secure the tunnel’s long-term future as a vital road link under the Thames in east London. Stricter enforcement of Rotherhithe Tunnel’s vital safety restrictions set to prevent drivers endangering themselves & others Fully-equipped company vehicle Comprehensive training Progressive, expanding company Excellent remuneration package Home-based Flexible working hours Lasalign is the UK’s original and leading specialist in heavy commercial vehicle wheel and axle alignment services. Continuing expansion means we are now seeking to recruit a mobile wheel- alignment engineer to cover the M25 area of south-east England. Specific wheel-alignment experience is not essential as comprehensive training will be provided. The right applicant will join a progressive, well-established company and can expect great job satisfaction from vehicle operator site visits. For more information call Derek Godden on 01788 860594 Or e-mail your application, including cv, to: applicants@lasalign.com www.savefuelandtyres.com WHEEL ALIGNMENT ENGINEER M25 AREA SOUTH-EAST ENGLAND HGV / PSV WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIALISTS Limited INSIDE TH M25 AND SURROUNDI REAS li i ’ ri i l l i i li t i heavy i l i l l l li t r i . ti i i i t r r it a obile heel- li i f r inside the M25 and surrounding areas. Specific wh el-alignment experience is not s e tial a comprehensive training will be provid d. i li ill j i r r i , ll- t li c a y t t j ti f ti fr i l er t r site visits.