Department for Transport
The Department for Transport website is useful in keeping abreast of changes to Drivers Hours legislation and developments with regards to digital tachographs. Visit www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/freight/road/workingtime
VOSA
If you operate a fleet of vehicles, or even a single van or lorry, the VOSA website is a valuable source of information. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is involved in a number of schemes and activities connected to road safety and environmental standards. The site offers a lot of information which will help you adhere to the terms of your ‘O’ licence and even has information about training courses for staff. See www.vosa.gov.uk
Highways Agency/AA
A constant source of frustration for drivers and operators is the sheer volume of traffic on Britain’s roads these days. Keep one step ahead of the queues and traffic jams by planning your route. See www.highwaysagency.gov.uk and www.theaa.co.uk and get up to date information of journey times and suggested routes.
DSA / DVLA
If you are thinking of a change of job, then driving a lorry can be a rewarding and lucrative career move. Visit the Driving Standards Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency website to find out how to go about applying for a heavy goods licence. See www.dsa.gov.uk.
HSE
Driving can be a hazardous occupation, and it is everyone’s duty to think constantly of their own safety as well as well as the safety of those around them. The Health and Safety Executive website contains a lot of information about issues from manual handling to coupling and uncoupling a trailer. See www.hse.gov.uk
FTA
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) is a major Trade Association for the transport industry, representing over 12000 transport operators in the UK. The FTA is generally considered to be the voice of the transport industry and so this site has much information on issues affecting transport in the UK. See www.fta.co.uk
Transport Cafes
It is said that an army marches on its stomach. Drivers are no different so we hope that drivers will find the following site of interest. transportcafe.co.uk. You will find everything you will ever want to know about roadside cafes and truckstops.