Important - is your race truck over 7.5t???

[pauwilson]

Firstly I am a marshal, not a racer so I am in unknown waters here but I have some info that some of you guys may not be aware of yet that you really need to know.

Time to open a can of worms, this is for those of you with P/HGV race trucks over 7.5t or a combination of truck and trailer that could legally go over this weight.

You should be aware if you are not already that as of Wed 11th April 2007 you will now be subject to drivers hours rules as non commercial goods vehicles over 7.5t are no longer exempt from the rules (ie if you carry tyres,wheels, jacks, race car etc these are classed as non commercial goods).

Basically my understanding of it is that you now need to use tachographs and stick to the rules of using them, ie 45 min break after 4.5hrs driving and daily rest of 11 hrs etc.

See here for info - near the bottom of the exemption table

http://www.transportoffice.gov.uk/cr...hoursrules.htm

I spoke with someone at the freight transport association today for clarification and apparently the impact is going to be huge on people with race transporters and large horseboxes. Strange thing is all the other amendments that kick in next week dont have a major impact on the commercial transport operation I am responsible for - seem a bit unfair
but its the law.
I suppose the way they look at it is an 18t truck is an 18t truck regardless of what is in the back, just as lethal and being private HGV does not make the driver immune from falling asleep at the wheel.

If anyone wants any advice I would give your local VOSA office a call, or drop me a PM and I will try to point you in the right direction.

Regards
Paul