The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has urged the UK government to end the loopholes that enable volumetric concrete mixers to sidestep HGV regulations. The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued two consultations proposing that volumetrics are brought within the scope of Operator (O) Licences and are required to undertake regular roadworthiness testing. The DfT also proposes to end the distortion whereby volumetrics currently operate to weight limits significantly higher than HGVs (a four axle HGV, such as a ready-mixed concrete truckmixer, has a maximum gross weight of 32 t, whereas volumetrics often operate at 40 to 45 t). MPA supports these proposals and has urged the government to implement them as soon as possible.
MPA Chief Exec Nigel Jackson, said: “Volumetrics are HGVs which deliver ready-mixed concrete. MPA has been calling for legislation to level the regulatory playing field between volumetrics and HGVs, such as truckmixers, for several years and we are very pleased that government is now moving on this issue.
“MPA is not against Volumetrics, which supply 10% of ready-mixed concrete and make an important contribution to the market. However, it is unacceptable that for years they have been able to take advantage of loopholes in the law and operate as engineering plant, thereby being able to ignore the maximum weight, drivers’ hours and Operator licensing requirements which apply to HGVs. At a time when there is an increasing safety focus on HGVs and MPA members are implementing significant steps to help improve the safety of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, it is long overdue that all vehicles on our roads are subject to reasonable and consistent regulation and the free ride for volumetrics is ended.”
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui