The RHA’s demand follows the Bath tipper truck tragedy nearly two years ago for which the vehicle owner and mechanic were found guilty of manslaughter last month (23 December). The driver was cleared of any charges.
“Safety behind the wheel is of course important in any occupation that involves a moving vehicle,” says RHA chief executive Richard Burnett. “But for the operator of a heavy goods vehicle, safety of the driver and other road users – including cyclists and pedestrians – is absolutely crucial.
“Such levels of safety can only be achieved through ensuring that the vehicle meets the stringent levels of compliance that are needed to keep their operation within the law.”
While acknowledging that most road haulage operators do operate to high standards, the RHA describes it as “extremely frustrating” that a minority of hauliers who have total disregard for safety are not identified more quickly.