Safer Lorry Scheme key focus at upcoming conference

The session on urban commercial vehicle operation will discuss what effect the London SLS will have and where will it go next.  Beyond this the growing wider debate regarding safe practices will be reviewed – including enhanced industry standards such as the Construction Logistics and Cyclist Safety (CLOCS) and Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) projects.  On emissions it will review the requirements of the upcoming ULEZ and the likelihood of restrictions in other UK cities.

Christopher Snelling, FTA’s Head of Urban Logistics, said: “The concept of the SLS is a radical departure – it’s the first time a UK city has designated what a ‘safe’ vehicle on their roads looks like.  The real question now is where will this go next – how will the Department for Transport react on national regulations and what role will standards like FORS play in the future?  The emission debate is also set to get more intense as a recent court case is going to force the UK Government to push for more radical action by local councils.”

The FTA Fleet Engineer conference, sponsored by Brigade Electronics, Goodyear and Isuzu, will also give delegates the chance to hear from Traffic Commissioner for the north-east of England, Kevin Rooney, who will be discussing commercial vehicle maintenance, the triennial review, how the revised guide to maintaining roadworthiness is being considered by the TCs, and experiences at public inquiries relating to maintenance issues.

Other sessions scheduled at the conference include a wide variety of topical engineering issues:  

•Department for Transport update

•Vehicle safety aspects and development

•EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval post implementation

•Commercial vehicle repair workshops, standards, competence and professionalism

•DVSA Testing and enforcement

•Individual Vehicle Approval scheme

•Integration of telematics in commercial vehicle fleets

•Developments in vehicle and trailer building