What's New?
17/06/2008: PAS 43: 2008 - A new version of PAS 43 has been released. Read more....
14/06/2008: Driver Location Signs - New location signs are currently being installed on the motorway network. Read more....
07/06/2008: Conferences and Safety Initiatives - There are a number of conferences and road safety initiatives planned for later this year. Read more...
Introduction
PAS 43 contains requirements for the management of road recovery operators with the aim of improving health and safety and promoting best practise. PAS 43:2008 is an updated version of the standards which were introduced in2002 and amended every 2 years it retains much of the original content plus contributions from an industry working group consisting of SURVIVE Working group 2 who oversee PAS 43 There have been more than twelve meetings over the last sixteen months where the improved content of PAS 43 has been determined and finalised.
Content of PAS 43
There have been many amendments and enhancements to the original document. Some of these have been as a result of changes to industry regulations and others have been added in the latest addition to improve the scope and application of the specification. There have been multiple minor changes to the document including the revision and update of all six Annexes as well as the clarification and update of certain definitions and terms throughout. Below is a brief summary of the main focus areas that have been added or amended since the last updates in 2006.
New additions and amendments
There have been a number of new additions in PAS 43 2008, some of the most important are as follows; general vehicle inspection requirements (where guidelines have been introduced for the volume of the vehicles for inspection bodies to inspect in any one year); national training and assessment for technicians (based on that the national occupational standard published by automotive skills);
Summary and Future Review
PAS 43 as part of BSI at dating process, PAS 43 will continue to be reviewed and updated as industry standards and regulations are amended; by continuing to involve all of the major stakeholders in the industry it will both represent and remain relevant to the parties for whom it was originally devised.
Those organisations working within the break down and recovery industry are recommended to obtain a copy of PAS 43; 2008 which can be obtained from the BSI (http://www.bsi-global.com/en/Shop/Publication-Detail/?pid=000000000030165343).
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When reporting an incident, tell the emergency services or Highways Agency what is written on the nearest sign to you, this will help them find you quickly.
Remember it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile when driving, ask your passenger to report the incident or wait until you can safely stop in a lay-by or service area. The signs look like this:
More useful information: http://www.highways.gov.uk/heavygoodvehicle
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AVRO EX 2008 - 5th - 7th September 2008
The AVRO EX Roadshow returns to the UK following two very successful years in Ireland during 2006 and 2007.
The three day recovery exhibition includes the latest in recovery equipment together with working demonstrations.
The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester near the M6/M69.
More Information? http://www.avrouk.com/avroex2008
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TISPOL Conference - 30th September - 1st October 2008
The TISPOL 'European Traffic Police Network' Organisation was established in the year 2000 by the traffic police forces of Europe in order to improve road safety and law enforcement on the roads of Europe. The priority of TISPOL is to reduce the number of people being killed and seriously injured.
The Conference will be held in Harrogate in 2008 hosted by the current President of TISPOL, North Yorkshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Adam Briggs, TISPOL Council member and European Roads Policing lead for the UK Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).
TISPOL believes the enforcement of traffic law and education will make a significant contribution to reducing the carnage on our roads with close cooperation with the European Commission and other European road traffic and transport enforcement partners.
More Information? - https://www.tispol.org/theconference2008/
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Take part in Road Safety Week! 10-16 November 2008
Help us to save lives and to support people bereaved by road crashes by taking part in National Road Safety Week. Every day on UK roads, nine people are killed and nearly ten times as many are seriously injured.
Road Safety Week is organised by Brake, the national road safety charity, and supported by headline sponsors 3M, DHL, MASS (the Motor Accident Solicitors Society) and the Department for Transport's Think! campaign.
More Information - http://www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk/
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Road Safety Expo ‘08: The essential event for road safety professionals to attend.
The event will be held on 1st December 2008.at the award-winning Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster, in the heart of London.
This year's Conference Programme will focus on influencing Road Safety both now and into the future. This year's event will explore the positive effects of the latest advances in engineering and technology that will have a significant effect on reducing road and motorway casualties. Specifically there will also be sessions addressing driving behavioural psychology together with conference themes focusing on safer driving for young drivers and those who drive for work.
More Information - http://www.publicationsuk.co.uk/roadsafetyexpo/
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ROSPA 74th Road Safety Congress 2009 23 - 25 February 2009 Hilton Metropole, Blackpool
Tremendous progress has been achieved in reducing death and injury on the UK's roads, despite massive increases in traffic. However, around 9 people are still killed, and 700 injured, on the road every day. The reduction in death and injury has not been evenly spread over all road users; some groups have fared much better than others.
Road safety is entering a crucial period. In the UK, we are beginning to consider what strategies and targets should be developed for the next decade and beyond. There is also increasing recognition of the interaction and inter-dependence of road safety policies and other public policies, especially those relating to the environment, climate change, public health, sustainable transport, Policing, employment practices, advances in vehicle design and road technology (for example, Active Traffic Management Systems). Significant demographic changes are also underway.
More Information - http://www.rospa.com/events/diary.htm