[Metrobeans]

B433 - Heavy Goods Vehicles Safety Bill, TSR Labour

Heavy Goods Vehicles Safety Bill - Labour

An act to make provision requiring the fitting of equipment to heavy goods vehicles to eliminate driver blind spots; to make other provisions relating to the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users; and for connected purposes.

BE IT ENACTED by The Queen's most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

1. Fitting and use of equipment
(1) require the fitting of equipment to heavy goods vehicles
(2) establish training programmes for haulage drivers
(3) impose penalties on haulage operators for;

(a) failure to fit at least one piece of equipment; and

(b) failure to ensure drivers are fully trained in the use of such
equipment within 5 years.

2. Types of equipment
(1) An order under section (1) may include but is not limited to the following equipment:

(a) cameras;
(b) sensors;
(c) proximity detection and warning devices;
(d) other driver assistance and safety systems.

3. Commencement, short title and extent
(1) This bill shall extend to England; and
(2) Shall come into force on the 1st August 2012 following Royal Assent; and
(3) Shall be provided to the Welsh Assembly Government for their consideration; and
(4) Subject to changes made by the National Assembly for Wales; and
(5) Subject to an affirmative vote shall come into force on the 1st August 2012 following Royal Assent.

Clauses Notes/Explanations

Pt 1. (1) to eliminate driver blindspots and aid driver awareness of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle.
(2) ensure drivers are trained in using safety equipment as fitted to their vehicles as well as tackling tailgating, to improve the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. Training courses would last from two - three weeks and would cost a limited amount per driver.
(3) Penalties will be flexible. The first stage will involve a small fine. If the fine is not paid, then more serious action will be taken.

Pricing & other Notes

(1) The cost of vehicle cameras each range from £59.00 - £225.00.
(2) The cost of sensors can be as little as £30.00 - car manufacturers charge between £300.00 - £700.00.
(3) The cost of proximity detection warning devices can be between £100.00 - £700.00.
(4) Any other devices can have a varied cost.
(5) Foreign vehicles would not be affected by this bill - we will consult with EU countries about the measures that this bill introduces.

[Birchington]

Unfortunately, it's still a no from me, as driver behaviour is often the cause of accidents rather than vehicle design.

[toronto353]

No because it's still legislating against accidents. Also not spelling out any penalties in the Act itself (even the notes are vague) is ridiculous. What are these fines? How much are the fines? What is 'more serious action'? All the penalties are undefined which is appalling for a third reading. When is the penalty applied for not purchasing and installing some of the equipment? Why should companies pay out for this when it is the government forcing them to get this equipment? Why isn't there any help when there is state nannying? It's just a nightmare as it is. Better than before, but a nightmare.

[CyclopsRock]

Absolutely batty.

[tehFrance]

Again? no.

[Moleman1996]

You're taking "if at first you don't succeed..." to a ridiculous level.

Still a no, always will be a no. I wouldn't bother putting this to vote.

[toronto353]

(Original post by Moleman1996)
You're taking "if at first you don't succeed..." to a ridiculous level.

Still a no, always will be a no. I wouldn't bother putting this to vote.

Well at least it isn't shamelessly copied from a pre-GRA piece of legislation.

[Moleman1996]

(Original post by toronto353)
Well at least it isn't shamelessly copied from a pre-GRA piece of legislation.

yeah, at least they've bothered to produce something this time, but I suppose all that copying and pasting is tiring stuff!

[Rakas21]

If you are going to do something like this you have the manufacturers of these vehicles change their design, you do not suddenly impinge a cost onto a haulage firm.

Still no!

As an aside, are we sure that this did not slip through cessation.

[MacDaddi]

Define "small fine"

Still no. You can't stop accidents, no matter how much you blunt the knife, people will still cut their fingers off

[toronto353]

(Original post by Metrobeans)
QFA

This reading shouldn't be the third one should it? The cessation period ended two days ago:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show...7#post37351567

[Metrobeans]

(Original post by toronto353)
This reading shouldn't be the third one should it? The cessation period ended two days ago:

http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/show...7#post37351567

I've had a look into this and it ended yesterday. I've had a look to see how this could have come about, and it was as a result of me doing a HoC Update at 11am last week, which meant the cessation countdown was not put back as many days as it should have been in the HoC Updates, which led to me thinking that the cessation period should have ended tonight! Apologies for that error.

To resolve this, if David agrees, I'll re-number this and this will be first reading.

(Original post by davidmarsh01)
x

[Mechie]

(Original post by Metrobeans)
I've had a look into this and it ended yesterday. I've had a look to see how this could have come about, and it was as a result of me doing a HoC Update at 11am last week, which meant the cessation countdown was not put back as many days as it should have been in the HoC Updates, which led to me thinking that the cessation period should have ended tonight! Apologies for that error.

To resolve this, if David agrees, I'll re-number this and this will be first reading.

You can do if you want, I'm not bothered in the slightest. Seeing as it's here I'd be inclined to just recognise the mistake and leave it as it is, but if you really feel you want to make it a first reading of a new bill then go ahead, I don't really care.

[MacDaddi]

(Original post by davidmarsh01)
You can do if you want, I'm not bothered in the slightest. Seeing as it's here I'd be inclined to just recognise the mistake and leave it as it is, but if you really feel you want to make it a first reading of a new bill then go ahead, I don't really care.

[toronto353]

(Original post by Metrobeans)
I've had a look into this and it ended yesterday. I've had a look to see how this could have come about, and it was as a result of me doing a HoC Update at 11am last week, which meant the cessation countdown was not put back as many days as it should have been in the HoC Updates, which led to me thinking that the cessation period should have ended tonight! Apologies for that error.

To resolve this, if David agrees, I'll re-number this and this will be first reading.

Well really it doesn't matter if he agrees. If this isn't renumbered, then it's breaking the rules and then where do you draw the line? You might as well do away with cessation in that case.

[Metrobeans]

(Original post by toronto353)
Well really it doesn't matter if he agrees. If this isn't renumbered, then it's breaking the rules and then where do you draw the line? You might as well do away with cessation in that case.

The alternative would have been to withdraw this, but I thought it courteous to inform David in advance that I intended to renumber his bill and he did not mind, as I assumed he wouldn't.

[MacDaddi]

Probably better off withdrawing it anyway - looks like it wont pass.

[Moleman1996]

(Original post by MacCuishy)

Ah, apparently I rep you too much

[Birchington]

(Original post by RoryS)
Okay

Don't take it to heart. It's a good, well intentioned bill but I think it could be rendered redundant with a national campaign to improve driving standards and prevent tailgating, which is often the cause of HGV related accidents.

[toronto353]

(Original post by RoryS)
QFA

As said above, don't take it to heart as it is a well-written Bill. I had exactly the same experiences with my first Bill, but you learn from your mistakes.