Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCM)
The updated guidance around load security will have an immediate impact on operators who run VCMs.
The load in a VCM must not be above the vehicle’s sides and must be sheeted when used on the public road.
There have been two incidents recently, in which the driver has been stopped for suspected load security offences.
In one incident, the vehicle was given an immediate prohibition until the vehicle load was sheeted and the driver received a £150 fine.
Load Security Penalties
The consequences and penalties for both driver and the company on any load security offences have increased in severity, with a driver facing fines, a 6-month driving ban for a second offence within a 3-year period and loss of vocational licence.
Integrated Hydraulic Solutions can make you compliant!
Look at our most recent load securing device, fitted to a Bay-Lynx for Aire Concrete. We have the ability to turn this around in just 1.5 days to minimize downtime for your machine. We also have a stock of these systems meaning we can fit you in at your convenience. Here at IHS UK LTD, we pride ourselves on our unparalleled service and attention to detail, not only are we always available for before and aftersales, you can rest assured that you will receive a “right first time solution”. See the video below of the tarp cover in action.
More info from the DVSA
Confirmation from DVSA Enforcement around load security is as follows:
“It’s always been the case that loose loads on tippers or any vehicles for that matter should be sheeted whether the load is hay or building waste.”
After a fatality involving a Tipper and an unsecured load, DVSA & HSE were issued with an official request from the Coroner, involved in the case, to review and change, where necessary, their approach to load security to prevent any future deaths. This is one of the factors behind the changes made to the categorisation of defects issued in May 2022 and to revise the guidance which is currently in the process of and due for release at some point in the summer.
“All we have actually done is remove the old matrix which our examiners used to assess load security because we felt it was no longer necessary to break down load and securing methods into different levels of risk.
The basic premise is that any load irrespective of type presents a risk to road users if it becomes detached from a vehicle.
Volumetric Concrete Mixers must not be loaded above the vehicle sides and must be sheeted when used on the public road.”
For companies, load security now forms part of the ‘maintenance investigation report’ carried out by DVSA when visiting an operator.
Appropriate load security arrangements should be in place.
These arrangements include whether drivers and other relevant staff are appropriately trained.
In addition to driver and company prosecution and increased penalties, cases can also be referred to the Traffic Commissioners.
Remember – The load does not have to have fallen from the vehicle for there to be an offence.
The existence of danger is key.
If the insecure load led to a fatality, the driver could be prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving, and the real possibility of a custodial sentence
