CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > November 2024 43 SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: 3 became operational on 7th September 2024, following proactive conversations between Network Rail and industry. Craig’s final presentation of the day was jointly delivered with CIG Chair Peter Gibbs and focused on guidance for ready for work checks on mobile and crawler cranes. New ready for work checks are being drafted following rare incidents whereby the crane has not been rigged correctly, either to the lift plan or to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically caused by an individual human error. The checklists will be designed to significantly reduce the probability of these ‘single point of failure’ incidents. Craig underlined that whilst these additional ready for work checks reduce the probability of an incident, the responsibility still lies with the Appointed Person to ensure that the crane is correctly rigged prior to being put into service. The final presentation of the open meeting focused on abnormal loads, embargoes and enforcement challenges. This was delivered by Chris Britton, Head of Operations Support at Ainscough Crane Hire and Vice Chair of the Heavy Transport Association (HTA). Chris underlined that the enforcement focus on the crane sector over the past two years has been extremely frustrating, and that STGO legislation was desperate for revision, having first been introduced over 21 years ago. He referred to a small number of police forces deviating from the custom and practice set out and agreed in the 2010 ACPO Guidance on the Movement of Abnormal Loads. The intention of the document was originally intended to give clear instruction to the police and crane operators, but Chris underlined that the activity of the police has been inconsistent, with 42 police forces around the country acting in different ways and abandoning the national guidance. Examples were provided where activity has been disproportionate, with movement notifications being interpreted differently force to force, and restrictive, with embargo times that are not uniform and introduced with no consultation or warning. Chris quoted an example whereby in Greater Manchester Police it is acceptable to move up to a 5-axle crane in the embargo, yet in the West Midlands there is a total ban at peak times. Certain forces also count Scottish Bank Holidays when the movement is in the Midlands. The industry has also seen increased costs, whereby operator wages must be paid where they travel before and after embargos, and where police insist on escorting vehicles where previously there was no requirement or appetite to do so. Chris went on to inform attendees about the industry working group which was established over a year ago. Known as the Abnormal Loads Group (ALG), the group was set up to form a collective voice to speak about abnormal loads, engage with key decision and policymakers and effect change through consultation with industry. Through the political connections of the members of the ALG, there have been numerous meetings and open dialogue with individual Members of Parliament, government departments such as the Department for Transport and the Home Office, and the group has a voice in the House of Lords through Earl Atlee who has had a long career in abnormal loads and is a passionate advocate for industry. The group has been actively involved in the review and rewrite of proposed new guidance, focusing on the areas that require the most urgent change and clarity. Chris concluded his engaging presentation by summarising the next steps and actions that are required and underway. He recognised the efforts made by Gwent Police, who have been instrumental in the trial which is currently underway of the removal of embargoes for mobile cranes, across the tri force areas of Gwent, Dyfed Powys and South Wales. He also urged attendees to engage with their local Chamber of Commerce and MP’s to inform them of the issues faced, and praised the advice provided by the former senior traffic commissioner for the UK, Beverley Bell. Finally, Chris informed attendees about an important meeting being held on 6th November 2024 concerning the approval of the latest revision of the NPCC guidance. The CIG/TCIG open meeting concluded with a talk by Marcus Gough, Chairman of the Heavy Transport Association and Director of Operations of Strate Logistics. Marcus reinforced the points made by Chris Britton and referred to the enormous collective efforts being made to try and implement guidance that is right for both industry and enforcement, promoting collaborative working and the highest road safety standards.