Large commercial vehicles in Jersey are to face roadworthiness inspections from the start of 2018.
Initially, only vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will undergo the annual checks. The plan is to include those from 3.5 to 7.5 tonnes from the following year.
Driver and Vehicle Standards will carry out the inspections which the government says should reduce the number of dangerous vehicles on the island’s roads.
Infrastructure Minister Deputy Eddie Noel said: “Unfortunately, road checks have uncovered some commercial vehicles in a very poor and dangerous condition. We cannot allow this to continue. We have been talking to the industry, where there has been significant support for this initiative. Those operators who take care of their vehicles will not find the scheme onerous.”
It’s part of a bigger plan to introduce licensing of commercial vehicles.
The Infrastructure Department has been consulting with businesses before rolling out its Vehicle Operator Licensing Scheme which will set out basic standards for maintenance and inspections for large commercial vehicles.
The move has been welcomed.
Brian Hall of AAL Recycling said: “Operator licensing will contribute positively towards safety on the Island’s roads and will provide a structure for the overall improvement of haulage fleets.”
Nigel Blandin of 4Group said: “It will enable us to prove the quality of our vehicles and the people who drive them.”
