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A VRO
Issue 2 April 2018
NEWS
AWARENESS
ABOUT RESCUE
10,000 AND RECOVERY
MILE
OPERATORS
WORKING AT
RALLY THE ROADSIDE
NEW MEMBER
IN AID OF AVRO BENEVOLENT
FUND PROFILE
CLEANEST
LORRIES TO
BENEFIT FROM
CUT IN HGV LEVY
CHANGES IN
EMPLOYMENT
LAW
PENSIONER
PLOUGHS
PORSCHE
THROUGH WALL
www.avrouk.com The official Digital Magazine of AVRO
Twitter: AVROLtd
Incorporating Recovery Operator
welcome
CONTENTS APRIL 2018
ISSUE 02
TO THIS ISSUE OF AVRO NEWS
IN THIS ISSUE
04. Cleanest lorries to benefit
from cut in HGV levy 14. AVRO 10,000
mile rally 2018
05. MOT Changes to improve
air quality
17. Member Letter to
Mayor of London
Pensioner ploughs
18.
Porsche through wall Group PA cover-
the business
Electric vans on the up-rise
06. Government is changing
licence laws to promote
benefits
19.
New changes to
electric vans MOT plating test
STGO Note
07.
Bringing awareness about
rescue and recovery
20. ROSPA
AWARD
21.
operators working at Welcomes a
roadside New Member
08.
Jeremy Clarkson breaks
down in South East
London 22. AVRO’s Social
Event
09. M23 Junctions 8 to 10
smart motorway project 23. Try our AVRO
puzzles just
for fun
10. Changes in Employment
Law 25.
Meet the
AVRO
Members
Pensioner ploughs porsche into wall 11. Don’t be fooled by digital
applications
“
Is your broadband
preventing your business
COVER What would you like to see
being up to speed.
STORIES featured in the next issue of
this magazine?
12. DAF new XF 530 FAS
heavy recovery unit
“Some countries Send us your thoughts...
were great, some
not so”
Page 14
“ jazzy@avrouk.com
017885 72850
CONTACTS
Editor:
Jazzy Bura
jazzy@avrouk.com / 01788 572850
Advertising contact:
Sara Needham & Jazzy Bura
sara@avrouk.com / jazzy@avrouk.com / 01788 572850
Design:
SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE Jazzy Bura
jazzy@avrouk.com / 01788 572850
COPY OF AVRO NEWS Avro contact details:
AVRO House, 1 Bath Street, Rugby CV21 3JF
Tel: 01788 572850 Fax:01788 567320
Call Jazzy Bura today on 01788 572850 or email jazzy@ Email: jazzy@avrouk.com
Web: www.avrouk.com
avrouk.com. There is no better time than NOW to sign up Avro news keeps you up to date with news, features and comments. Your letters comments and story leads
and keep in the know about the latest news, coverage, are always welcome. Contact the editor at the address above. Every care is taken over the accuracy of
material, but the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Views and opinions
products, industry, and legislation! of contributes are not necessarily those of the publishers who cannot accept responsibility for such
contributions.
c Avro Limited
AVRO NEWS 3
Cleanest lorries to benefit
from cut in HGV levy
Cleanest lorries to benefit The HGV levy is just one element of the “Air pollution has improved significantly
from cut in HGV levy: Government’s £3.5 billion programme to since 2010, but we recognise there is
H aulage firms will pay less under the
HGV levy for using cleaner lorries
from next year, while those operating
clean up the air and reduce emissions,
which includes £255 million for councils
to improve air quality and a dedicated
more to do which is why we have put in
place a £3.5 billion plan to improve air
quality and reduce harmful emissions.
lorries that do not meet the latest Clean Air Fund of £220 million for those Poor air quality affects public health, the
emissions standards will be expected to local areas with the biggest air quality economy, and the environment, and all
pay more. This will encourage hauliers challenges. motorists, including hauliers, must play
to use less polluting vehicles and help their part if we are to clean up our air for
improve air quality. When the change comes into effect, the next generation.”
more than half of UK vehicles will
pay less. As increasing numbers of Find out more details about
In a change to the rules that comes into companies move to cleaner lorries, the the Department for Transports
force on 1 February 2019, the HGV levy UK haulage industry overall will pay announcement:
for Euro VI lorries will be reduced by 10 per less. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/
cent. All other vehicles will pay 20 per cent cleanest-lorries-will-pay-less-to-use-uk-
more. The cleanest lorries generate 80% Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey roads
less nitrogen emissions than dirtier ones. said:
Those lorries that do not meet the latest
emissions standards will be expected to
pay 20% more.
Roads Minister Jesse Norman said:
“This government is committed to
improving the air we breathe and
delivering a green revolution in transport.
Heavy goods vehicles account for around
a fifth of harmful nitrogen oxide emissions
from road transport, but they only travel
5% of the total miles. That’s why we’re
changing the HGV levy to encourage
firms to phase out the most polluting
lorries and bring in the cleanest ones.”
4 AVRO NEWS
MOT CHANGES IN MAY TO
IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND
ROAD SAFETY, SAYS DVSA
MOT changes coming in May DVSA chief executive, Gareth Llewellyn did the work. Each year around 30
said: million MOTs are carried out in Great
New, tougher, defect categories –
“These changes to the MOT test will Britain.
defects will be classed as dangerous,
help make sure vehicles are safer and
major and minor to protect people from
cleaner. I’d urge all motorists to familiarise With 28 per cent of cars turning up
unsafe vehicles.
themselves with the new items that will be late for test, DVSA also provides a
included in the test so that they can avoid free service for drivers to receive MOT
Tighter limits for smoke on diesel
their vehicle failing its MOT. To be safe reminders by text message or email
vehicles to help improve air quality.
and responsible motorists should also four weeks before their car’s MOT is
New checks, including: Reversing lights
carry out simple vehicle checks all year due. Over 600,000 drivers have signed
on vehicles first used from September
round.” up for the service since it launched in
2009.
November 2017.
If a vehicle defect is categorised as
Daytime running lights on vehicles first
dangerous or major it will fail its MOT. If Article in courtesy of Garage Wire
used from March 2018 front fog lights
a defect is identified as being dangerous,
on vehicles first used from March 2018.
the vehicle should not be driven away
Emission control equipment to fluid
leaks posing an environmental risk. The from the MOT testing station.
MOT failure documents and certificate
will be clearer and show the new defect Strict DPF rules:
categories. There will also be stricter rules on
emissions from diesel vehicles fitted with a
Vehicles which are more than 40 years diesel particulate filter (DPF). Diesel cars
old and have not been substantially will automatically fail their MOT if there’s
changed will be exempt from the MOT any smoke coming from the exhaust, if
test. Significant changes to the MOT the DPF has been removed or there is
are to come into force from 20 May, with evidence it has been tampered with.
hopes to improve air quality and make
our roads even safer. The changes If legitimate work has been carried out on
come nearly 60 years after the MOT the DPF, the tester will need to see proof The changes will see stricter rules on emissions from diesel
test was introduced. of that, like a receipt from the garage that
vehicles fitted with a DPF. Image: Bigstock.
Pensioner ploughs
Porsche through
Colchester car park wall
Driver reported for careless driving and offered
a fitness to drive course
Pensioner ploughs Porsche my friend when I said, ‘that looks
through Colchester car park wall. like the back end of a car’. Police
www.commercialfleet.org Image: PC Turner. had cordoned off the area but
Fortunately nobody was hurt in
the freak accident. there was no ambulance or fire
service there, just a lot of men
If you recovered A 73-year-old man crashed working out how they were going
through the wall of a subway to move it.
this vehicle then car park and on to a pedestrian
please let us know, footpath in Colchester on 5 April, My friend arrived at my house
we would love to reports the East Anglian Daily about 6.20pm and we left and
Times. Fortunately, nobody was went past it at 7.05pm so it must
hear from you. injured as a result of the incident have happened between then.
but the driver was reported for
Email careless driving. Thankfully neither the driver or
Lexden Road resident, Nicole anyone else was injured. The
jazzy@avrouk.com Rose, commented: driver will be offered a fitness
“I was just going into town with to drive course and the DVLA
notified.
AVRO NEWS 5
GOVERNMENT IS CHANGING
LICENCE LAWS TO PROMOTE
ELECTRIC VANS
Allowing drivers to operate heavier
vans will enable more companies to use
alternative fuels.
The government has changed the law
surrounding driving licences in a bid to
improve the uptake of alternatively-fuelled
vans.
A law is set to be passed allowing drivers with
standard ‘Category B’ driving licences to drive
heavier vehicles than is currently permitted,
providing those vehicles use hydrogen,
hybrid or electric power-trains.
At present the standard ‘Category B’ driving
licence only allows holders to drive vehicles
weighing 3,500kg, but this is set to increase
to 4,250kg for alternatively-fuelled vans.
According to the Department for Transport
(DfT), the law change is necessary because
these vehicles often have higher kerb weights
than their conventionally fuelled counterparts,
which effectively limits their payload.
vehicles for operators, without incurring a delighted the government has listened to the
By giving drivers an extra 750kg of weight commercial penalty through constrained logistics industry and taken this positive step
to use with a hybrid or electric van, though, payload. This step will help us meet our to make it easier for transport and freight
the DfT says it is removing the ‘payload greenhouse gas emissions and air quality companies to operate electric vehicles.
penalty’ of these vans, and the government targets as set out in the Climate Change Act
hopes it will encourage fleet operators to use 2008 and Air Quality Regulations 2010.’ ‘The heavier weights of these vehicles
more low-emission vehicles. In response mean they have often been inaccessible for
to the proposal, a government statement The new measures were welcomed by van operators who do not have an operator
read: ‘Due to the positive response to this the Freight Transport Association (FTA), licence or the appropriately trained drivers.
consultation and interest amongst operators,which represents transport companies. This [legislation] will make it cheaper and
the Government intends to proceed with The organisation’s environment policy easier for firms to include alternatively-
implementing this policy. manager, Becki Kite, said the change would powered vehicles in their fleets.’
encourage more firms to consider the move https://www.msn.com/en-gb/cars/news/govern-
‘It is intended this approach will increase to alternatively-fuelled vehicles. ‘The FTA is ment-changes-licence-laws-to-promote-elec-
tric-vans/ar-AAvus4A?ocid=se
access to cleaner alternatively-fuelled
STGO NOTE
Please note that recovery operators are breaking the law if
they recover a fully loaded artic past a place of safety or the
nearest place of repair. The problem is that anything over
a gross weight of 44 tonnes is moved under S.T.G.O. regs
and a 48 hour notice is required, in other words the gross of
the recovery vehicle and casualty vehicle would be great-
er than 44 tones if the vehicle is fully laden. They will be
stopped by VOSA and charged, as will whoever sanctions
such a move. Sadly a number of operators, whilst they are
aware, try to forget it and carry out the job to please their
customer. Any artic that is only partly loaded with the gross
weight including the recovery unit is under 44 tonnes is OK.
6 AVRO NEWS
Bringing awareness about rescue and
recovery operators working at the
roadside by Paul Anstee
Since June 2016 I took Johnson of Call Assist for with the people that have industries charity RISC,
it upon myself to work the use of his marketing supported the campaign. with the work on education
towards bringing awareness department to develop to help to reduce the risk
about rescue and recovery the sign, The IVR, AVRO, For the near future of to loss of life or injury
operators working at the RRRA, Professional development I hope to VRO’s, and again
roadside, as we are the Recovery Magazine and the we can get work done developing it towards
least unprotected, and work leaders of the organisations towards best practice for updating the training to the
in the most dangerous jobs in industry who all have working roadside through modern roads, as our roads
in the motor industry. The supported it, the AA’s part the SURVIVE Group and are getting more busy and
journey has had its ups and of working with the DVSA ERRI. Getting awareness the vehicles having more
downs, trying to get the and the Highway Code. I to the VRO through training challenging mechanical /
message out to get support, was also able to meet a bodies, working to get best electrical faults to rescue or
with education to the public very influential person, Mr practice to the members of recover the vehicles safely
about the VRO’s working Tom Luciano in December the public when they have a as possible.
out on the road through last year who gave me broken down vehicle at the We can do it as an industry
social media to Slow Down amazing advice on the work side of the road, when they as a whole for all.
or Move over Safely. done in the USA. see a broken down vehicle
for them to know what to
The people that have I was humbled this year do as they are approaching
been helping develop to receive a letter of it and the same on what to
the campaign have been recognition through LV do when they see a Rescue
amazing. It took three Britannia Rescue from and Recovery Operator
months in development to Martin Milliner the Director working.
get the sign right - thank of GI Clames for the work I
you to Andrew Eade from have been doing for nearly Looking at how to bring
Highways England, Ben two years, which I share more ways in helping the
TEMS
38
AVRO NEWS 7
Jeremy Clarkson breaks down in
South East London
“He seemed very calm but he did look a bit embarrassed”
Jeremy Clarkson has been pictured standing beside
a Citroen with its bonnet up, to the amusement of
passers by.
The new citreon is thought to be a press vehicle and
it’s not known what the cause of the breakdown was.
Onlookers said Clarkson saw the funny side but
seemed embarrassed by the situation, according to
The Sun.
One onlooker said: “He was talking to two people
on the street. There were two RAC people checking
his car. He seemed very calm but he did look a bit
Article courtesy of Garage Wire embarrassed when he saw me taking pictures.”
Article courtesy of Garage Wire
8 AVRO NEWS
M23 Junctions 8 to 10
Smart Motorway Project
M23 Junctions 8 to 10
Smart Motorway Project
I am writing on behalf of Highways
England to inform you of a major
project that will be taking place on the
M23 motorway, near Gatwick Airport,
between junctions 8 Merstham and 10
Copthorne, to convert this section into
a smart motorway.
Smart motorways reduce congestion
and improve journey time reliability by
making the hard shoulder available
as a traffic lane, and use variable
speed limits to smooth traffic flow.
They also add much needed capacity
to some of the most congested parts
of our network and support economic
growth. This work will be carried
out by Kier on behalf of Highways
England.
When will works begin?
Initial CCTV works will commence on
Monday 23 April which will be followed vibration or increased traffic on Kier has arranged a series of ‘Meet
by the installation of narrow lanes diversion routes. We will work closely the Contractor’ events within the local
on Monday 18 June to allow a safe with local authorities and local area from mid to late April. These
working space for our road workers. communities to identity any specific events are listed on the attached M23
We use narrow lanes so that we can issues and implement measures to J8-10 Smart Motorway Booklet as
keep the same number of lanes open address them wherever possible. Public Information Exhibitions. Local
when we carry out improvement work, residents and businesses will also
while also allowing additional space at The smart motorway design receive the information confirming the
the side of the motorway to provide a reduces the environmental impact events.
safer working environment. of increasing capacity because
additional land is not required, they How long will the works take?
How will this project affect traffic? are also 60% more cost effective Construction for this scheme
During construction, we will be compared to traditional widening commenced in March 2018 and
maintaining three narrow lanes, with schemes. following initial CCTV works on
reduced speeds of 50mph for safety. 23 April, narrow lanes and traffic
Both lane closures and full closures Working on Behalf of management will take place from 18
overnight will be necessary during Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering June 2018. This scheme is expected
construction. Full closures will take Limited to completed in March 2020.
place between 10pm and 5am and will 5 Chuchill Place, Canary Wharf,
involve clearly signed diversions. All London, E14 5HU If you have any questions about this
closures will be subject to change and Registered number 4482405 project, please contact the project
weather dependent. VINCI Construction UK Limited trading team
as “Taylor Woodrow” M23J8_10Smart@highwaysengland.
All closure information will be Astral House, Imperial Way, Watford, co.uk , alternatively you can write to
advertised on the Highways England Hertfordshire, WD24 4WW Highways England
project webpage http://roads. Registered number 02295904
highways.gov.uk/projects/m23- VINCI Construction Grands Projets You can also find further information
junctions-8-to-10-smart-motorway/ S.A.S about the smart motorway project on
and Traffic England http://www. 5 Cours Ferdinand de Lesseps, 92500 our website at
trafficengland.com/ throughout the Rueil- http://roads.highways.gov.uk/projects/
project. Malmaison , France m23-junctions-8-to-10-smart-
Registered with the Trade and motorway/ where you can sign up for
How will this project affect me? Companies updates.
Construction will inevitably have Nanterre under no. 343 088 134,
some impact on the local community, (hereinafter Salman Asad
businesses and road users, for “VCGP”). Project Manager
example construction noise and
AVRO NEWS 9
Changes in Employment
Law
Changes in the Employment Law as soon as May 2018
CHANGES MADE AND CONTINUING
6 April saw the new financial year, new goals
and new challenges for your business.
In addition to the traditional rainfall, April
also brings with it a number of changes
in Employment Law. This gives us a good
opportunity to remind you of a few of the
changes that have happened recently or
are coming soon.
1 April 2018 saw the customary increase in
the National Minimum Wage and National
Living Wage. For workers aged 25 and
over, the National Living Wage rose from
£7.50 per hour to £7.83 per hour. Workers
aged 21 to 24 saw an hourly pay increase
from £7.05 to £7.38. For those with younger
workers, 18 to 21 year olds’ pay increased
from £5.60 per hour to £5.90 pre hour;
and under 18’s pay increased from £4.05
per hour to £4.20. The rate for apprentices
increased from £3.50 per hour to £3.70.
It is a legal requirement to pay National
Minimum/Living Wage and a failure to do
so can lead to hefty fines and claims from
workers in the employment tribunal. The proposal in relation to employer NIC Currently, employees are entitled to take
contributions on termination payments a reasonable amount of unpaid time off
As of the 6 April 2018, “family friendly” has been delayed until April 2019, but the
payments will increase. The weekly rate remaining changes are expected to come in to deal with an emergency involving a
for Statutory maternity, parental, adoption during April 2018 as planned. dependant, including dealing with the death
and shared parental pay will increase from of a dependant. The Government is aiming
£140.98 per week to £145.18. for the new law to be in force in 2020.
25 May 2018 will see the introduction of
The General Data Protection Regulation
The rate of Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will (GDPR) which will apply to all EU member
also increase in April 2018 from £89.35 per states including the UK. We will be running
week to £92.05 per week. However, the separate training on GDPR, but the crux of
lower earnings threshold for eligibility will the Regulation is that it strengthens existing
rise from £113 to £116. The Government data protection rules and increases the
proposes to make changes to taxation of possible sanction for breaches, including
contractual and non-contractual payment a possible maximum fine of €20m or 4% of
in lieu of notice (PILON) clauses. global turnover – whichever is the highest! In
due course, the Government will introduce Recovery Industry Engineering Standards
The proposals include:
www.riesuk.com
new domestic legislation which will replace
Removing distinction between the Data Protection Act 1998 but will be read
contractual and non-contractual PILON alongside the GDPR.
clauses so that all PILON clauses
PAS 43
are taxable and subject to National In October 2018, the employer-backed
Insurance Contributions (NIC). childcare voucher scheme will be scrapped
and replaced with a new system of tax-free
Maintaining the first £30,000 of childcare, entitling families to claim up to
termination payment being exempt &
£2000 per child. This was initially due to take
from income tax. place on 5 April 2018 but has been delay until
ALL other Accreditation Services
October. LOLER / PUWER & PSSR Inspections
Keeping any payment solely related for all
to the termination of employment free UK & ROI Vehicle Recovery Operators
Later this year we also expect to see draft
from employee NICs. legislation relating to CEO/worker pay gap Come to the Industry Experts
reporting and Parental Bereavement leave
Aligning the rules so that employer and pay. Under the Bill which is currently Contact us for a Cost Effective Quote
NICs will be payable on payments progressing through Parliament, employees Office Hours : 01945 589822 & 01788 567320
above £30,000 (they are currently only who lose a child under the age of 18 will Mobiles : 07800 913040 - 07951 797012 - 07773 390498
subject to income tax). be entitled to two weeks leave, paid at the Email – inspectionsries@aol.com
statutory rate if they have 26 weeks’ service. Supporting The Vehicle Recovery Industry
10 AVRO NEWSDon’t be fooled by digital applications -
Operator’s licence applications moving online
from 1 April 2018 However, they will still be available
More things to moving online through the Contact Centre for
Previously, we have written operators who don’t have access to
about how more and more the digital services though.
things are moving online
for operators. From 1 April The important role of the Traffic
2018, this will apply to paper Commissioners acting as
application forms relating to your gatekeeper to those who run
operator’s licence. Operators vehicles will not change, however,
won’t be able to download on how operators do some things
GOV.UK and the Office of the must.
Traffic Commissioner have
released some information on Backhouse Jones has a team
why this is. dedicated to managing clients’
Operator’s Licences and most of this
When the new Vehicle is done digitally. This team provides
Operator Licensing (VOL) a specialist service whereby they
Service launched in 2016, it take the stress out of dealing with
gave operators the chance the administration of operator’s
to do more online. GOV.UK licences by doing this for operators.
Verify which allowed operators For compliant operators, doing things are in fact run digitally. Broadly, Services provided include making
to sign an application digitally online means their matters will be dealt they have concluded most people new applications and variations,
for the first time for example. with quicker. The average processing do this simply because they always managing the application process
However, operators are being time for online goods and PSV major have. However, it is felt it is more and liaising with Central Licensing
positively encouraged to do applications is currently 6 weeks. Paper advantageous for operators to do Unit in relation to any queries and
more and more online and by applications take nearly 9 weeks. this online and that this is how the additional information.
2019, the whole system will be best service will be provided.
paperless. If you are trying to The Office of the Traffic Commissioner If you would like to chat through
get some extra vehicles on your have carried out research on why That’s why, from 1 April 2018 how these changes will affect you
licence or pay your continuation operators are still using paper operators won’t be able to download or need help registering for VOL,
fees, not only is it easier, but it applications when most other areas of the paper forms from GOV.UK and please contact Scott Bell or a
can be more advantageous to their business will need to register for VOL. member of the regulatory team on
do this online. 01254 828300.
Is Your Broadband
Preventing Your Business
Being Up To Speed?
Article Courtesy by InReach
Are you having problems Ethernet connectivity from InReach discuss your connectivity options
Communications is prioritised to on 0300 303 3361 or email us at
with your broadband?
carry voice calls while providing contact@inreachcomms.co.uk
The days of relying on an internet businesses with a robust data Quote your AVRO membership
connection solely to view websites service, monitored 24/7 by a UK- number to receive special rates.
and send emails have long gone. based support team. This means
The reality is that most businesses you can take advantage of fast,
(like yourself) will actually be stream- business-grade connectivity with the
ing video traffic, hosting unified com- ability to run a high-quality, low-cost
munication and voice applications, hosted telephony service over the
conducting daily server back-ups top. Even better, all of our Ethernet
and accessing a number of cloud- products are backed off by an eight
based services on a daily basis. hour fix time.
You know it’s time to move from
If you’re doing all of this on a broadband to Ethernet when:
connection which is slow and has
a realistic fix time of two or more Your broadband is struggling to
days when an error occurs then your cope with the increase in users on
broadband service is no longer the the network
right choice for your changing busi- You’re having to wait days for
ness requirements. If this sounds all support - and more importantly a fix -
too familiar, how can you really be when an error occurs
sure that your current internet pack- You’re receiving continually poor
age is providing your business with (and often slow) service
the speeds, reliability and features it
requires? Want to find out more? Call us to AVRO NEWS 11DAF New XF
530 FAS heavy
recovery
unit for fast-
growing RD
Avery
High spec New XF 6x2 rigid offers up to 90 tonne trainweight for
heavy recovery work
£¼ m investment in New XF with Boniface body and latest under-lift
equipment
Introduction of new clean air zones reinforced need for latest Euro 6
spec
Recovery division fleet of RD Avery continues to grow as business
booms
Strong business growth, which The New XF was specified
has seen the operator double its with heated leather seats for
turnover in the last three years, both driver and co-driver, LED
has seen RD Avery invest headlights, a leather finished
around £¼ m in a DAF New steering wheel and door trims,
XF 530 FAS recovery unit. The driver’s airbag and a fridge,
Super Space cab of the rear among other options from the
lift 6x2 includes a host of driver manufacturer’s Exclusive Line
safety and comfort features, package.
while its Boniface body and
the latest Mk.6 ‘K-Boom’ lifting Based so close to the
equipment make it one of the south coast with its major
most sophisticated recovery petrochemical operations,
units in the UK. RD Avery has fully trained
ADR technicians and also
RD Avery specified the had the New XF fitted with
16-speed TraXon automated a master switch that allows
gearbox and hub-reduction instant isolation of the vehicle’s
drive axle allowing the vehicle electrical system.
to run at up to 90 tonnes
trainweight. “A lot of the spec Stewart Lee attended the CV
in cab terms, and even the Show in 2017 at the invitation builders in the business, we Above: Images
TraXon box, was aimed at of local DAF Dealer Adams placed the order there and then. of the new XF
driver comfort and safety,” said Morey to look at the New XF A key part of this investment in 530
Stewart Lee, RD Avery’s Head cab and talk with his preferred the latest truck technology was
of Recovery, “while the TraXon bodybuilder, Boniface. “I went the growing amount of work
box also offered great fuel along with Ray Avery, who we are asked to undertake
economy potential alongside the founded the original business in London, and now even
latest MX-13 530bhp engine. with his wife Sue back in 1983, Southampton is planning its
We are extremely busy and, and we were impressed by the own clean air zone.”
even though we are currently look and quality of the New XF.
based between Southampton The Boniface team told us it Though buying new trucks for
and Salisbury, we get work that was one of the best chassis on the lighter end of operations,
takes us all over the UK and the road for what we wanted to over the years the operator had
abroad.” do, and, as they are probably a strategy of investing in high-
the premier recovery system
12 AVRO NEWS“ 16-speed TraXon
automated
gearbox and hub-
reduction drive
axle
“
Cassie Salisbury, daughter
of founders Ray and Sue
Avery, and now the company’s
managing director, said, “We
have a terrific team in place
on our recovery business, and
ongoing investment and active
promotion of our services has
seen us go from strength to
strength in recent years. Part
of our expansion plans now
include looking at options to
our current operating base,
to give us greater space and
put us even closer to the main
road infrastructure from out of
the Southampton area.” The
operator already runs a full
Above: The new quality used chassis to get the workshop facility to maintain its
XF completing a heavy recovery specs it wanted, own fleet and offer repair and
recovery including ex-MOD vehicles, maintenance to vehicles being
with each addition to the fleet brought in from recovery, as well
then fitted with new bodies and as general services for local
Below: The finish
of the truck is to a recovery equipment. The New transport operator.
very high standard, DAF XF is the first all-new heavy
improving the recovery truck on the fleet,
recovery industry which today numbers some 20 Local dealer support was
vehicles, among them four units singled out as being important
with under-lifts, three with cranes in the decision-making process.
and a number of lighter trucks Said Stewart Lee, “Over the
for recovery of such things as years we have had a good
ambulances and other authority relationship with Adams Morey,
vehicles. often working on their behalf
to recover vehicles. We get
top levels of support and that
is vital in our business. Right
now, for instance, while we
have the standard two-year
R&M package on the New XF,
we are talking through the cost
and benefits of significantly
extending that, and Adams
Morey is working closely with
us to ensure we get the maths
right. We worked the same way
together on the acquisition itself;
it’s a relationship that helps us
get accurate answers to the
important questions.”
AVRO NEWS 13AVRO 10,000 MILE RALLY
2018
To raise money for AVRO’s stopped at 6 of them having has just passed away in the
Benevolent Fund this year a to bribe them all with whiskey, town of Ozolaine in Latvia, rest
team of 5 very brave men took cigarettes and money – hope easy Bongo one.
on a 10,000 mile rally starting none of them drink the next
in Dublin on 18th March and bottle of whiskey they give! 2nd April – France/Belgium/
returning 16 days later on 3rd Poland – Back on track after
April. 29th March – Russia with snow a little set back with an oil
and potholes, still going strong light on. 1223kms to Calais
The vehicles they drove were but not going to make Moscow with everyone now in a very
2 Bongo’s and were most as still 470kms away, there is overloaded Bongo number 2!!!
certainly not fit for purpose!! very little heat in Bongo number
1 and it is -8° outside. There Great day of travelling which
The 5 that took part were: have been 3 breakdowns today, started out bad with the oil light
Eamon Kelly, Alan Sherwood, but all seems to be OK for but managed to cover 1498kms,
Dermot Roe, Jim O’Sullivan and the moment. Very happy as booked on the Euro tunnel for
Eric Crinnions. managed to cover 954kms in 9.20 French time and land in the
trying conditions. UK at 8.55 to travel around the
This run was nothing like they M25, up the M40, the M6, M56
had ever done before, they had 30th March – Red Square, and A55 to Holyhead for the
no babysitters or support teams Russia spent sightseeing but boat home.
out with them. They were all on -12° and the antifreeze freezes!!
their own with no fixed route or 3rd April – The boys are back
plans made on their travels. 31st March – Russia / Latvia and the 10,000 mile round trip is
– Head gasket has now gone, nearly over.
Below are some snippets from no fuel gauge, no heater, no
their journey: temperature gauges and leaking They all gave up their time to
diesel and water, there is cream carry out this challenge in order
22nd March they reached in the radiator and the steering to help others in our industry.
Hungary/Serbia/Bulgaria hitting has a little shake in it but other
black ice, wind and snow to than that they are still going A huge well done to all who
hamper their travels. strong. Having to stop every took part in this fantastic
50kms to clean the gunge out of achievement!!
23rd March – Turkey/Bulgaria the radiator and fill with water.
with 2 breakdowns, Bongo Have to make the Latvia border Donations can still be made to
wheel clamped and heavy which is 150kms away with the the AVRO Benevolent Fund.
snow. 2 Bongos or can’t leave Russia. Please contact the AVRO office
Bongo 1 can then be dumped or Eamon Kelly for further
24th March – 4 hours spent at once they get back to Europe. details.
the border, bongo damaged and Still snowing!
876km covered during heavy
rain. UPDATE!! Bongo number 1
in Latvia – Bongo number 2 is
A challenge was completed by in Customs with them getting
Dermot with him sitting on top of big fines for being smugglers
the Bongo roof in his underwear haha!!!
eating fried chicken which Bongo number 1 has given
raised another 250 Euros for the up, had to book into a Hotel
AVRO Benevolent Fund – well in Latvia. They have a head
done Dermot! gasket with them but think it has
gone too far. Bongo number
25th March – Turkey/Georgia 2 now overloaded with all the
- Massive queues that took 6 stuff from Bongo 1 and Eric’s
hours to get to the border but fags, need to lose weight in the
managed to get the Bongo morning and all go in Bongo
fixed. 2, the engine has got a bit of a
knock and won’t tick over and
26th/27th March – Georgia/ is leaking diesel. It stinks of
Russia fag smoke and has only half a
bumper but should be OK!!!!
28th March – Russia, the
toughest day so far with 13 1st April – Russia/Poland/Latvia/
checkpoints to go through, were Lithuania – Bongo number 1
14 AVRO NEWSSmiles all around, as their 10,000 mile
race comes to a finish
They carried on in
the coldest weather
conditions!
“I had a trip of a lifetime with 4 lads who I
got to know with over 14000 k done and
over 18 countries, what a trip.
I would like to say many thanks to
Eamon, Jim 007 Dermot and Eric the
singer, for putting up with me. Some
countries were great, some not so and
what could you say about police states,
lots of story’s about that with hours and
hours queueing at boarders etc. Anyway
we made it! Thank you to all of you who
were involved and many thanks to my
wife and family for the time I have been
away and keeping the office going.”
Alan Sherwood
DUBLIN, IRELAND
AVRO NEWS 15ny
OF
Company:
Phone:
No. of pages (including this one): 1
as shown below.
agreed with myself for The Kerry Senior Footballers.
eed with
efully andmyself
sendfor Theyour
back Dublin Wallplanner.
signed agreement with any
ully
edit card info. for the agreed agreement
and send back your signed amount. with any changes
edit card, bank transfer or cheque for the agreed amount.
s, we must receive your signed agreement and payment
s,nowe
alternative but to
must receive replace
your signedyour advert. (Unless
agreement other-
within 5 day
but to run with the advert below.
Derek Beahan
Donations can still be made to
.50 Recovery the AVRO Benevolent Fund.
LIGHT RECOVERY Please contact the AVRO office
MOTORCYCLE RECOVERY
or Eamon Kelly for further
COMMERCIAL RECOVERY
HEAVY RECOVERY details.
Phone: 01 453 4567 / 24 Hour Call-Out: 086 255 9188
rr advert and Email: info@derekbeahanrecovery.ie
er changes
ent, www.derekbeahanrecovery.ie
: 93-31-04
“Well done to everyone that took part!”
me that will appear on our bank statement in order for us to process the payment effi ciently.
ve signed your agreement, no further changes can be made.
d, B agnelstown,
Tel: 0402C o. C arlow
41390 info@choicemedia.ie
E : thecalendarcompany@eircom.net
16 AVRO NEWSMember Letter to
Mayor of London
On Consultation over introduction of ULEZ and Direct Vision
Standards.
Jeffrey Johns of Boleyn and a company like ours will the main priority has been to showman’s vehicles have been
Recovery sent the following usually have a fleet replacement sort out the public transport granted an extension then,
letter to the Mayor of London in plan as part of its budget vehicles. surely any other vehicle that
February 2018 on behalf of his planning to ensure the fleet is must be specially built such
Company: rotated. I feel that, due to the specialist as a recovery truck should
nature of recovery vehicles, also be granted an extension?
The letter and response However, with the introduction and the constraints put on This would then allow enough
has been printed with the of the new ULEZ and direct the industry by the number lead time to have new trucks
permission of Mr Johns: vision standards, I feel we of suppliers who convert and manufactured and hopefully
are being unfairly pressured build these vehicles, that also allow enough time for
to invest in new trucks by recovery vehicles should also the exhaust manufacturers to
REF: Consultations over
Transport for London (TfL) when be granted an exemption or also complete designs for new
introduction of ULEZ and
others are exempt. We have extension from the new ULEZ filtration systems to be fitted to
direct vision standards
contacted all the major suppliers standards. Companies like ours non-Euro 6 vehicles.
of after-market exhaust filter provide an essential service that
As a small recovery operator in
kits and none of them currently keeps London’s traffic flowing, I realise that other HGV
Barking (around thirteen trucks),
have a completed design for and unlike other areas of the operators have probably already
any changes in HGV standards
upgrading ‘normal’ HGV’s. country, London is already written to you, however, as a
greatly affect our business
Their priority has been to hard to operate in due to the recovery operator we do not use
operation.
design systems for the bus fleet congestion and so recovery standard vehicles and any new
We currently have a mixed fleet
in London, which they have charges are higher due to the designs come at a premium and
of vehicles with the majority
now designed, and their next length of time it may take to take a long time to produce and
being slidebed recovery trucks
priority is to design systems for drive to a casualty. If we were so I feel that we in the recovery
and three heavy recovery
coaches. They therefore have then required to pay several industry should be given extra
vehicles. These vehicles are
no set date (or indeed price) for hundred pounds a day in order consideration in any planning.
specialist vehicles which
the completion of any design to still be able to operate in This also brings me onto the
although starting from a normal
for heavy goods vehicles and London this cost would have to second reason I am writing to
HGV chassis have been
so the only option is to look at be passed on to the customer you and this is the improvement
completely rebuilt to incorporate
replacing vehicles in order to which would dramatically raise of road safety in London by
all the recovery attachments
have Euro 6 standard vehicles. recovery charges in the area. introducing the direct vision
such as cranes, underlift etc.
However, with an average If specialist vehicles such as initiative.
This puts the prices for such
wait time over one whole year
vehicles anywhere between
for the design and build of a
£120,000 and £250,000, and
new recovery truck this is also
with the small profit margin
unrealistic, especially as all
available in the recovery
recovery firms who operate in
industry this limits the amount
London will also be looking to
of money available for fleet
procure new vehicles and so
replacement. A regular haulage
this waiting time is likely to be
operator will usually utilise
even longer.
their vehicles for between 8 to
16 hrs per day depending on
In my opinion the decision to
how many drivers they have
move forward with the new
on shifts, and their vehicle cost
emissions standards has been
less than a large recovery truck.
rushed and there has been an
Whereas a heavy recovery
unfair advantage by Transport
truck, due to the nature of
for London who have had their
recovery, may only attend a
systems designed first in order
couple of breakdowns during
to have their vehicles ready
the day and so have a low
before anyone else. This has
utilisation. This means that
caused a log jam in the design
recovery operators have to pay
of compatible systems and
more for their trucks and have
now companies like ourselves
a limited amount of utilisation.
are being given unrealistic
So, any investment in new
timescales when there are
vehicles must need serious
currently no aftermarket exhaust
consideration before committing
filtration systems available as
AVRO NEWS 17As the major push with TfL is London. This would only add
within improving safety for all to the already high level of
road users in London, are there congestion within the city and
any plans for investing in the would not be good for the day to
design of new safety standards day operation of London.
for vehicles and if so how would a Yours sincerely
company such as ourselves apply Jeffrey Johns
to such assistance? I see this as Compliance Manager
an opportunity for London to be Boleyn Recovery & Fleet
seen as leading the way to safety Services Ltd
within the industry and if we can
get assistance with designing N.B. Since this letter Mr
such a vehicle, London would Johns has received a
Currently all heavy recovery mean it would have to be a
be able to say they led the way response back stating:
vehicles are based on complete new design and we
setting the standards for all other “Thank you for taking the time
tradition truck chassis designs have already spoken to some
cities to follow. to write to us and providing
(most are Arctic tractor units of the major designers for
With the current consultations your feedback on our proposals
extended and converted with recovery trucks, and due to the
going on for both the ULEZ and for a Direct Vision Standard
a bespoke recovery body). fact that it would need to be
the direct vision standards, all I and changes to the Ultra Low
This means they are high designed from the ground up
can ask is that consideration goes Emission Zone.
vehicles with the driver’s cab (as existing recovery designs
into the recovery industry and
being some of the highest on would not fit these chassis)
the fact that we do have different The consultation period for
the roads. Boleyn however is then prices would be increased
requirements to standard heavy both of these consultations has
looking into the possibility of compared to traditional designs.
vehicle operators. We are not now closed. However, rest
getting a new type of recovery They have said that once the
asking for a 100% exemption assured that we will consider
tuck designed using the design has been done the
from any standards, just a representations from the vehicle
Mercedes Econic chassis. costs would reduce and if other
common-sense approach that will recovery sector as part of the
recovery operators also took
allow enough time for changes consultation process.
This is the same cab as used to the new design then they
to take place, especially with the
on most refuse vehicles which would start to reduce further.
time constraints for new vehicle We are currently considering
gives greater all-round vision This would be a major step for
production due to the specialised all feedback provided to both
and places the driver a lot safety in the inner-city recovery
nature of the vehicles. Without consultations and plan to report
closer to the ground therefore world but is a large financial
our service, the city of London our findings later this year.”
eliminating blind spots. This commitment for a firm such as
would suffer immeasurably
would be a first in the recovery ours. I have enquired if grants
and if the current plans do not
industry and could become are available to assist and
change then there will be severe
the new standard for recovery have been told that no such
implications on the ability of
vehicles. However, this would assistance currently exists.
recovery operators to work within
Group PA cover – the
business benefits
The reality is rather different. of work. If the employer will be paid directly to, or Accident cover, or a complete
Some firms do buy Group arranges the cover so that passed on to, the employee motor trade insurance quote,
Personal Accident (Group benefits are payable to the concerned. Towergate can help. To find out
PA) cover because it helps firm, then the firm can choose more, call Towergate Insurance
to attract and retain key staff. what to do with the benefits. Those firms that already buy today:
Others recognise that as a That means it can use weekly Group Personal Accident
payment under a Group PA benefits to help towards the cover (to which Sickness 0344 346 0917
policy has nothing to do with cost of staff recruitment, cover is often added too) are
negligence, staff that are paying temporary staff, and likely to already recognise the
injured can receive a payment paying statutory sick pay. Or business benefits
very quickly. That can mean it may choose to pass on the of arranging such
an employee won’t necessarily benefits to the member of staff cover. Those not
pursue an Employers’ Liability concerned, particularly lump yet buying this
(EL) claim as they have sum ‘capital’ benefits that may type of cover may
already received some money. for example help an employee find that arranging
And, if the frequency and who has been disabled to Group PA cover
severity of EL claims can be suitably modify their home, is not just another
reduced, that may help control or to be re-trained in another expense, but a
the cost of EL insurance. more suitable field. genuine benefit to
them, as well as to
Employers also need to think Obviously, if PA cover is their staff.
carefully about the potential arranged as part of a formal Whether you need
costs of having staff off work employee benefit package, help with arranging
because of accidents incurred or to help reduce the cost of Group Personal
either at work or outside EL claims, then the benefits
18 AVRO NEWSNew changes to
MOT plating test
AVRO’S Views
Please note these are however it is not yet ironed out Testing, as we explained in
currently only our views on that if you have a ballasted our meeting, our main concern
the information we have front axle on your heavy which is the vehicle’s braking system
been provided with after puts it into design weights compliance with Construction
providing scenarios for DVSA category during its journey to a and Use Regulation 15 Brakes.
to consider, the headline casualty vehicle before being We have now finalised the list
paragraphs below are extracts deployed for under lift duties of information we need and I
from responses from DVSA to may not be allowed under have attached it here.
our questions. plating test conditions on a
roller brake tester and may well There are a number of vehicle
The important note is that come under STGO. conversion specialist and
if your heavy falls into the consultants who have been Boniface breakdown vehicles
exemption or roadworthiness Any kerbside weight of a heavy providing this type of brake were intended for use under
category then you should which exceeds the UK weights data for converted goods Special Types at 40mph. The
surrender the road fund for the axle configuration vehicles for thirty years. Ministry Plates we issue show
licence then re tax for 12 technically becomes STGO We have compiled a lot of design weights at the normal
months while we continue to , 3 axle = 26 ton, 4 axle = this information into ‘Case highway speed limit. For this
find some common ground to 32ton, for vehicles below the Histories’ for converters to purpose, even if a vehicle has
have all the vehicles, hopefully GVW for testing purposes use with repeat conversions. been converted from 4X2 to
roadworthiness tested and or your heavy needs to have a I enclose a list of these 6X2, the design axle weights
plated to allow us to provide kerbside weight of at least 60% consultancies. shown on the original vehicle
a service without resorting to of its gross weight to ensure manufacturer’s VIN plate would
restrictive STGO regulations sufficient weight on each axle My suggestion is that before be of the most use to us for
for all of our fleets. to carry out a roller brake test. embarking on testing is plating purposes.
that you check with the
The impending changes where We have managed to consultancies on the list The American F450 specs did
a road recovery vehicle can negotiate a discount from to see if they can match have a solution to downrate
no longer be declared exempt agencies who would be converted breakdown vehicles to 6500kgs then it could come
are extremely complicated and prepared to investigate the to converted goods vehicle under the new regulation
AVRO along with others have options for using the test ‘Case Histories’ that they to allow class 4 with the
been in communication with results from previous goods already hold. If they can match stipulation of at least one
DVSA in an attempt to create vehicle conversions to issue converted breakdown vehicles passenger seat and a loading
order out of disarray. certification that should satisfy to a previously converted area to the rear of the cab
DVSA goods vehicle ‘Case History’ it such as a pick up type bed,
Many converted underlifts in would be more economic than however a members vehicle
the past have been declined Please see responses from carrying out the whole suite of was presented with its dollies
a plating test to receive a DVSA: tests from scratch. Obviously etc removed from the top of the
VTG5 and have been forced due to the costs of testing that lockers but because the tops of
down the Roadworthiness RRV = Road recovery vehicle has been carried out the ‘Case the lockers slope down to the
route achieving a hand written Vehicles used as an RRV Histories’ are Commercial in spec lift a test was declined by
certificate. under STGO and claiming Confidence but for a fee the the policy department at VOSA
the P & T exemption would consultancies will make them with the suggestion “ if it had
A tractor unit or rigid that only be able to use those available.. more of a pick up type bed”
has been converted to a vehicles if when carrying out they may accept it for test.
heavy underlift that has an recovery work they had to Secondly we will have to
extra axle added and no new go above C&U weights and establish axle design weights. Not sure if any operators wish
official manufacturers plate dimensions and/ or Authorised For the purpose of those to be to downrate and modify their
added will have to have some Weights Regulations limits and shown on the Ministry Plate lockers to look like a load bed
form of certification from an therefore could not comply with we will use the original vehicle area and test the theory.
authorised converter of chassis the detail of that legislation. manufacture’s design weights. We have also been advised
conversions to enable the truck Accordingly if a light vehicle, In many cases we will have that no vehicle under 12001kgs
to be registered with DVSA and say a solo tractor unit or light these on the vehicles’s original can be operated under STGO
undertake a plating test. rigid were the casualty then an DVSA goods vehicle plating for road recovery operations.
exempt RRV could not recover record.
A manufacturers supplied it.”
chassis with an applicable I spoke with John Ruffles at J
plate and with heavy recovery R Consultancy yesterday and
equipment installed should Heavy underlifts he confirmed that the plated
satisfy DVSA for a plating test For the purpose of Plating and weights he determined for
AVRO NEWS 19ROSPA AWARD
The Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents
Richford Motor Services Ltd not only employees but all those
handed RoSPA Gold Award for who interact with it.” For more
health and safety practices information about the RoSPA
ROSPA announced today that Awards visit www.rospa.com/
Richford Motor Services Ltd awards
has been awarded the Gold
Achievement Award for best ABOUT THE ROSPA
practice Health and Safety ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:-
practices and initiatives. Richford The esteemed Health and Safety
Motor Services Ltd has set the Achievement of the Year Awards
standard for innovation and were introduced to acknowledge
creativity within the vehicle and reward the exceptional
recovery industry being the first work and the results gained by
Company in this business sector Companies leading the way in
to win this prestigious gold award. their respective business sector,
Richford Motor Services Ltd will in the face of an ever increasing
receive the prestigious award at competitive market.
the Hilton Awards ceremony on
July 4th 2018. ABOUT RICHFORD MOTOR
SERVICES LTD
“This award is a testament to Richford Motor Services Ltd
the skill, ingenuity, commitment of Alfreton Derbyshire was
and vision of our employees that established in 1990, providing
have embraced health and safety 24 hour breakdown for lights
best practices initiatives” – Phil and commercial vehicles. The
Richford Managing Director Company operates 24/7 365 days
of the year with over 140 vehicles
Julia Small, RoSPA’s head of all equipped with the latest
qualifications, awards and events, technology with the Company also
said: “The RoSPA Awards are recently purchasing innovative
the most highly-respected in the vehicle recovery equipment to
health and safety arena, with cater for all eventualities no
almost 2,000 entrants every year, matter how big or small and
and allow organisations to prove the confined space to operate.
excellence in the workplace, For more information visit www.
demonstrating a commitment to richfordmotors.com
the wellbeing of
20 AVRO NEWSAVRO Welcomes a New Member!
AVRO would like to introduce our newest member, Cambrian
Car Care from Bridgend
Cambrian Car Care Ltd adheres to the their vehicle quickly and get them back
highest possible standards and has on the road.
been trading since 1981. They are
dedicated to delivering high quality Their specialist equipment and
services for their customers; these experience allow them to undertake
include private clients as well as all types of difficult on and off road
leading motoring organisations such as recoveries and their super low
Green Flag, AA, Britannia Breakdown approach vehicles allow them to
and Allianz. They provide a wide recover and transport sports and
range of garage repairs and servicing classic cars safely and professionally.
along with full 24/7 workshop facilities, Cambrian, can currently boast ten
such as exhaust and tyre repairs Recovery
recovery vehicles.
to their customers from breakdown
organisations, consequently this Their performance figures reflect the
enables them to fix a higher percentage local knowledge that their recovery
of vehicle breakdowns. team possess for the area and it is also
indicative of the high level of service
The customer experience is very they provide. Cambrian have a solid
important to them so they have foundation as their track record shows
invested in their experience. Their fleet and their future mission is to build on
includes a comprehensive selection these by investing into their business.
of specialised recovery vehicles fitted
Car Servicing
with the latest satellite navigation
tracking systems so that they can find
a customer quickly and the control
room can see at a glance where their
vehicles are located. Each vehicle in
their fleet has been carefully chosen
to fulfil a specific role relevant to their
customer’s needs. They have invested
heavily in diagnostic equipment so
that they can readily identify problems
at the roadside. They also carry
a comprehensive range of parts
and machinery so if a customer is Wax Oiling
unfortunate enough to break down they
can repair
AVRO NEWS 21You can also read
