SJL Automotive Solutions - 07733 326777
12/04/2022
New EU rules introduced on 2 February mean information on some loaded goods journeys in and between European Member States now need to be registered on a new EU web-based portal before you set off.
If you’re transporting goods between 2 points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for commercial purposes (known as cabotage or cross trade), you’ll need to make a “posting declaration”, which means registering the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used.
This could be using HGVs, vans or other light goods vehicles of any size, or cars, whether or not you’re towing a trailer. It will apply if you’re moving the goods for hire or reward, or for your own business’ use.
The information you need to sign up and start declaring is available on GOV.UK.
Or, you can access the EU Portal and FAQs now.
From 21 May 2022, new EU rules will mean operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight that transport goods from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for hire or reward will also need to obtain an International Operators’ Licence.
This will include a requirement to appoint a designated transport manager, so you need to get ready now.
You can use the service on GOV.UK to apply to be recognised as a temporary transport manager if by 20 August 2020, you have had 10 years’ or more experience of managing fleets of vehicles.
12/04/2022
Little trip out to one of our customers today
11/04/2022
From 25 March, rules in The Highway Code are coming into force to make any hand-held use of a mobile phone while driving illegal, except in limited circumstances.
The changes were supported by 80% of respondents in a public consultation in 2021.
This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. The law applies to you if you’re:
There are exceptions, such as if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency or making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving.
You can find the full rules on using a phone, sat nav or another device when driving on GOV.UK
The government’s award-winning THINK! team will launch an awareness campaign today to remind drivers not to use a hand-held phone at the wheel and the penalties of choosing to ignore this new law.
It’s important that everyone – not just learner drivers – understand their responsibility for the safety of other road users.
Many of the rules in the code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you’re committing a criminal offence.
If you do not follow the other rules in the code, it can be used in evidence in court proceedings to establish liability.
The full version of The Highway Code is available, free of charge, on GOV.UK.
12/02/2022
M5 junction 6 to junction 7 safety barrier replacement
I’m writing to inform you of some upcoming maintenance work on the M5, near Worcester. This work will be carried out on our behalf by our contractor, Carnell.
What we’re doing and why? We’ll be replacing the safety barrier, alternatively known as the ‘vehicle restraint system’, on the M5 between junction 6 and junction 7.
We’ll remove the existing steel barrier in the central reserve, which will then be replaced with a new concrete barrier. This will ensure we continue to provide a safer road to all road users. Our work will also include lighting and drainage improvements.
When will this work take place?
Our work will start on 21 February 2022, and this should complete by Spring 2023. This will include a combination of day time and night time working. To reduce disruption to customers, most of our work will be carried out under narrow lanes which will ensure the M5 remains open. For added safety, a 50mph speed limit will be in place, along with speed enforcement and free recovery. This has been designed to protect both the road user and workforce on site. To install the narrow lanes, we’ll need a number of overnight closures between junction 5 and junction 8.
These will be in place as follows;
M5 northbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 21 February, 22 February and 23 February, 8pm to 6am.
M5 northbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 24 February, 25 February, 26 February and 27 February, 8pm to 6am.
M5 northbound, junction 8 to junction 5 closed overnight on 5 March and 6 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March, 3 March and 4 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 7 March and 8 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 5 to junction 8 closed overnight on 12 March and 13 March, 8pm to 6am.
11/02/2022
New EU rules introduced on 2 February mean information on some loaded goods journeys in and between European Member States now need to be registered on a new EU web-based portal before you set off.
If you’re transporting goods between 2 points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for commercial purposes (known as cabotage or cross trade), you’ll need to make a “posting declaration”, which means registering the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used.
This could be using HGVs, vans or other light goods vehicles of any size, or cars, whether or not you’re towing a trailer. It will apply if you’re moving the goods for hire or reward, or for your own business’ use.
The information you need to sign up and start declaring is available on GOV.UK.
Or, you can access the EU Portal and FAQs now.
From 21 May 2022, new EU rules will mean operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight that transport goods from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for hire or reward will also need to obtain an International Operators’ Licence.
This will include a requirement to appoint a designated transport manager, so you need to get ready now.
You can use the service on GOV.UK to apply to be recognised as a temporary transport manager if by 20 August 2020, you have had 10 years’ or more experience of managing fleets of vehicles.
02/02/2022
It’s important when you’re transporting horses, that you know what you can and cannot do. Horses are important animals and worth a considerable amount so you will want to do the best for them.
We’ve reformatted and updated the horsebox guidance into a series of webpages, rather than the old PDF version.
It will be easier to search for and quickly access the information you need, instead of scrolling through multiple pages.
Many horseboxes are only used during the warmer months and can lie, unused, for a considerable amount of time.
This means they can develop defects, so don’t forget to have your horsebox or trailer inspected by a qualified mechanic before using it. This is particularly important before the annual test (MOT) for bigger horseboxes to make sure they are in a roadworthy condition to pass and safe to be taken out on the road.
You should also carry out walkaround checks on your vehicle before you take it out. This will help you spot any potential problems before they become major issues threatening the wellbeing of your horse.
You can also get a free safety check from the National Trailer and Towing Association.
01/02/2022
The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain would like to draw your attention to the information shared by the Department for Transport and the DVSA yesterday.
The EU postings declarations portal (previously referred to as EU posting of drivers portal) is now available to use.
From 2 February, new EU rules mean if you operate loaded goods journeys in and between European Member States (cabotage or cross-trade), you may need to register information digitally about your journeys on a new EU web-based portal.
This will include details of the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used before the journey commences.
This will apply to you if you use:
This will also apply to you if you transport goods between 2 points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for commercial purposes. This includes:
Find out whether this new requirement applies to you.
EU portal online – prepare now
The EU portal is now available for use ahead of 2 February.
To use the service you will need to register, then you will be able to add details of your drivers to reuse when creating posting declarations.
Find out how to use the EU portal.
Further information and answers to frequently asked questions are available.
From 21 May 2022, operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight for hire or reward in the EU will need to obtain an International Operator’s Licence, which includes a requirement to appoint a designated transport manager. Apply now to be ready.
Find out if the rules apply to you and what you need to do on GOV.UK.
If you have at least 10 years’ experience of managing fleets of vehicles and you transports goods, you may be eligible to become a temporary transport manager.
Find out if you can apply on GOV.UK.
31/01/2022
Rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
The changes will be made to The Highway Code from 29 January 2022.
There are changes in 8 important areas:
26/01/2022
From 29 January rules for all types of road users will be updated in The Highway Code to improve the safety of people walking, cycling and riding horses.
As a professional driver or operator, it is vital that you stay up to date with The Highway Code, checking it regularly to understand how changes affect you and your business.
New hierarchy of road users
The changes being made by the Government on 29 January introduce a new ‘hierarchy of road users’. The new hierarchy explains that those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in the event of a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.
This principle applies most strongly to drivers of large goods and passenger vehicles, cars and motorcycles.
Other more vulnerable road users have a responsibility to reduce danger to people walking . None of this detracts from the responsibility of ALL road users, including people walking, cycling or riding a horse, to have regard for their own and other road users’ safety.
You can read more about these changes on GOV.UK.
Changes at a glance
The latest changes to The Highway Code include:
Giving people walking across and people cycling going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
Passing people riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least 2 metres of space
Allowing at least 2 metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a person who is walking in the road
Encouraging people driving vehicles to open their doors with the hand furthest from the door, to help them look over their shoulder behind them to see people cycling or walking nearby
People cycling may ride in the centre of the road or two abreast for their own safety, whilst allowing others to overtake when it is safe for them to do so
Why staying up to date is important
It’s important that everyone understands their responsibility for the safety of other road users.
Many of the rules in the code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you’re committing a criminal offence.
If you do not follow the other rules in the code, it can be used in evidence in court proceedings to establish liability.
How to stay updated
It’s easy to keep up to date with The Highway Code, and any other future changes, online.
GOV.UK includes a list of the latest updates that have been made, so it’s quick and easy to see what has changed. You can also sign up for email alerts whenever The Highway Code is updated.
The Highway Code on GOV.UK allows you to:
search for key words and phrases within The Highway Code
quickly move between related rules
follow links to the original laws that the rules are based on
print sections more easily
There’s also an official Highway Code app.
22/01/2022
From 1 January 2022, any goods moved between Great Britain and the EU, except for the island of Ireland, will require full customs controls.
Moving goods from the island of Ireland to Great Britain
On 15 December, the Government announced that from 1 January, goods moving from the island of Ireland to Great Britain, including those moving from Northern Ireland via Irish Ports, will continue to be treated the same way as they are now. There will be no new requirements in terms of either customs or SPS processes.
Moving goods from Great Britain to EU
You’ll need to check that the business whose goods you’re moving has submitted the correct export declaration. This would be a pre-lodged export declaration or an arrived export declaration.
Check which locations need an arrived export declaration.
If you’re leaving from the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel, make sure the dual Freight Location Code is used on the export declaration for the goods you’re moving. This will give you flexibility for your route. Check the location codes for roll on roll off border locations for use in CDS or CHIEF.
Moving goods from the EU to Great Britain
You’ll need to check with the EU exporter that they have completed the EU export procedures.
You’ll also need to get evidence from the Great Britain importer that the correct import declaration has been made. This would be a pre-lodged import declaration or a simplified frontier declaration.
Check which locations need a pre-lodged import declaration.
Drivers will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle if they do not have the required paperwork for the goods with them from 1 January.
You can find more information about the new requirements for moving goods between Great Britain and the EU in the Haulier Handbook.
Moving goods through border locations that use GVMS
If you will be moving goods through border locations that use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service (GVMS) to control goods from 1 January, you must:
Register for GVMS now. You will need to use this system to create a goods movement reference (GMR) for any goods you move between GB and the EU.
Get a GMR. Any movements (including empties) into Great Britain from the EU, or to the EU from Great Britain, started after 11.59pm GMT on 31 December 2021 must have a GMR. Without one, drivers will not be able to board the ferry or shuttle. To help you prepare, you can create a GMR from 29 December 2021.
Check if you need to report for an inspection of your goods using your GMR. If the goods you’re importing or exporting are selected for inspection, most ports will check the goods on site. Port of Dover and Eurotunnel require drivers to attend an inland border facility (IBF), as does Holyhead if you’re exporting goods from Great Britain.
The person who created the GMR (usually the haulier) must ensure the goods arrive at an IBF for a check and that their drivers are made aware, or have the means to check, if an inspection is required. The haulier and/or driver may be liable to a penalty of up to £2,500 if they fail to follow HMRC instructions to attend an IBF.
Support available
Check GOV.UK for more information, but if you need more help on these requirements, you can call the Customs and International Trade helpline on 0300 322 9434 from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm at weekends, or contact us by webchat.
CIT helpline Christmas and New Year opening hours:
24 December: 8am to 10pm
25-28 December: closed
29-31 December: 8am to 10pm
1-3 January: 8am to 4pm
4 January onwards: normal opening hours
Out of hours service
We understand if you have an issue at the border you need urgent help. HMRC has a 24/7 critical importing and exporting service, through the Customs and International Trade helpline which will be available throughout the Christmas period.
From 1 January 2022, the helpline will also cover GVMS enquiries. Simply choose option 1 when you call.
If you have any queries, please contact us:
Company Address
SJL Automotive Solutions
Weston Subedge
Gloucestershire
GL55 6QW
