RHA Recovery Group says "Give us a break Mr Livingstone"
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RHA Highlights VOSA's Sideguard Requirements
Recent changes to VOSA's interpretation of the requirements for sideguards has caused considerable problems for operators when presenting certain vehicles for annual test. These include "short bodied" vehicles with cranes mounted behind the cab, those with sleeper cabs and some tankers.
RHA Head of Technical Services, Steve Biddle said: "In 2000 VOSA advised that sideguards on an incorrect dimension should not be failed. It has become apparent that sideguards have been fitted to some vehicles that do not comply with legislation, due to sections not being fitted where they are required. This situation was not anticipated and has resulted in non compliant vehicles passing at annual test. An document issued in October 2006 highlighted the issue and instructed that a vehicle should fail if part of the guard is missing". (This instruction has now been superseded by Memo 17/07).
Due to the number of apparent non-compliant vehicles encountered and representation made by the RHA on behalf of members it has been decided to advise operators of non-compliance in respect of part of sideguard missing until April 2008, thus allowing industry time to resolve the situation.
Sideguards rails should be fitted where regulations require them and measurements checked to establish whether a part is missing.
Until April 08 a vehicle should not be failed for a sideguard section missing, but you will be informed that the vehicle is non compliant and will fail in the future.
