FTA warns of stricter testing

Date: 6/4/2010

As of May 1st 2010 there will be stricter compliance tests of vehicle sideguards for goods vehicles and trailers as previously deferred guidelines are implemented by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

Amendments to the current sideguard checks prepared by VOSA were originally put forward in 2007, however their implementation was delayed following action by the FTA amid fears some vehicle operators would struggle to comply.

As the more stringent checks come into play, operators will still be able to use sideguards that meet European Union directive standard 89/297/EEC. There will also be concessions for vehicles where it is not technically possible to comply with dimensional requirements and for those with cranes that have operating and accessing platforms.

Head of engineering policy at FTA Andy Mair said: "The concessions FTA has achieved will be of immense benefit to operators. We now have a sensible, workable set of requirements which will enable every operator to comply."

Sideguards have been a legal requirement on certain large goods vehicles and trailers in the UK since the 1980s and checks are included in the annual roadworthiness testing every vehicle must undergo.