Vehicle User's Guide 2
Contents
1. stabilised speed does not exceed the limits as set out in the regulations 1 Mini buses 100kph 62 14mph 2 Goods vehicles 90kph 56mph See MELB 108 2 Speed Limiter Legislation for further details Stabilised speed is the mean speed of a vehicle when its speed is controlled by the limiter and stable control has been achieved Limiters must be sealed by an authorised sealer in such a way that they cannot be tampered with or the power supply disconnected Limiters fitted voluntarily to vehicles used before the implementation date whilst required to be sealed are not subject to sealing by an authorised sealer but if a replacement is fitted after that date then the regulations must be complied with Limiters must be maintained in good and efficient working order A plate must be displayed in a prominent position in the driving cab clearly and indelibly marked with the speed limiter setting Vehicle Users Guide 25 Speed limits and limiters Using the outside lane of a motorway If a vehicle has or is required to have a speed limiter fitted and working then it is not permitted to use the outside lane of a three or more lane motorway If the vehicle is required to have a speed limiter fitted but it is not working it will be illegal to use it on the public highway under the Roads Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations 1986 26 Vehicle Users Guide Traffic violations Whilst drivi2. advised Your line manager will check that you have a valid licence and will tell you about your responsibility to maintain and care for the vehicle MES when requested will show drivers how to complete daily and weekly vehicle checks Crown vehicles Forestry Commission vehicles with the exception of CAPES vehicles are Crown Vehicles and as such are exempt from Road Tax and are not covered by an insurance policy The Forestry Commission covers the risk itself under Section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Note FC vehicles are only to be used on official business Private use is not insured and is therefore illegal 22 Vehicle Users Guide Speed limits and limiters The speed limit on all Forestry Commission roads is 15 mph due to vegetation growth road design and line of sight on bends You must not exceed the maximum speed limits for the road and for your vehicle Streetlights usually mean that there is a 30mph speed limit unless there are signs showing another limit The speed limit is the absolute maximum and does not mean it is safe to drive at that speed irrespective of conditions Driving at speeds too fast for the road and traffic conditions can be dangerous and is one of the most common causes of accidents You should always reduce your speed when e the road layout or condition presents hazards such as bends e sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists particularly children and cyclists e weather conditio
3. certain areas where garages do not accept fuel cards and there is no bulk fuel installation nearby we have set up local accounts which are settled on a monthly basis This is clearly the most expensive and administratively the most time consuming method of buying fuel Your line manager will be able to advise you about local accounts 18 Vehicle Users Guide Driving techniques Adopting a smarter driving style is easy And once you ve mastered it not only will you start to make real savings but you ll also be doing your bit for the environment That s because smarter driving means driving your car more efficiently Doing this means your car will produce less carbon dioxide CO the main gas contributing to climate change Remember to follow the steps below and you ll soon be saving money and reducing your car s impact on the environment 1 Check your revs change up a gear before 2 500rpm petrol and 2 000rpm diesel 2 Anticipate road conditions and drive smoothly avoiding sharp acceleration and heavy braking This saves fuel and reduces accident rates 3 Use air conditioning sparingly as it significantly increases fuel consumption Vehicle Users Guide 19 Driving techniques 4 The most efficient speed depends upon the car in question but is typically around 45 50mpnh A faster speed will greatly increase your fuel consumption 5 Drive away immediately when starting from cold idling to heat
4. code For assistance contact your local workshop Front air bag The inflatable cushion or air bag is a safety device designed to operate in the event of a violent impact Note You should not use solvents or cleaning agents to clean the air bag use a damp cloth instead Do not apply stickers to the bag Catalytic converter The catalytic converter is an exhaust component which is very fragile but following the points below will keep it and you safe e keep to the manufacturer s recommended service intervals as poor performance resulting from irregular servicing could damage the catalytic converter e if you have difficulty cold starting your vehicle contact your local workshop e allow the engine to return to idle before switching off and e do not park or drive over highly inflammable material dry grass inflammable liquids etc as the catalytic converter operates at temperatures exceeding 40 centigrade Vehicle Users Guide 33 Care of your vehicle Modifications You must not alter or modify FC vehicles in any way shape of form without prior approval from the workshop manager and leasing company Unapproved modifications will be charged to your cost centre and you may be charged for any remedial works required to return the vehicle to the original specification Disciplinary action may also be taken against you Warning Displays Read the manual supplied with your vehicle and make sure that you under
5. detached from the arm your windscreen is free from chips or cracks there is no damage to the bodywork or loose trim your tyres have the minimum tread depth are not unevenly worn and are inflated properly and your number plates are free from chips and cracks and are clearly visible Internal checks When seated make sure that the seat position is suitable for driving you have a full view out of both the rear and side view mirrors your hand brake and foot brake are working correctly your seat belts are fully functional and that you are comfortable and not constricted in any way and that all the relevant warning lights in the dashboard go out when you start your engine REMEMBER YOU ARE PLACING YOURSELF AT RISK IF YOU NEGLECT THESE CHECKS Vehicle Users Guide 29 Accidents Careful drivers take care while driving They take care of themselves their vehicle and their load whilst always being aware of the actions of other road USETS Safe driving is a mark of a good driver Staff Notice 12 covers all aspects of traffic accidents and prosecutions A copy is available at your cost centre or on the intranet A comprehensive checklist C128b of what you should do if you are involved in an accident is on page 46 of this handbook however the most important aspects are given below e avoid making any remarks that might be taken as an admission of responsibility for the accident e obtain the
6. number of passengers Windscreen breakages If you have a broken or damaged windscreen you should contact your local workshop Most workshops use a firm called Auto Windscreens who operate a 24 hour mobile nationwide repair and replacement service and can be called free on 0800 919 700 In many instances a laminated glass repair is a cost effective alternative to windscreen replacement and is carried out to the British Standard AU242 Vehicle Users Guide 7 Basic details General Vehicle Type FC Number Registration Number Date of First MOT Driving Licence Category Vehicle only Vehicle plus Trailer Tyres Tyre type and size Tyre pressure normal use Front Rear Tyre pressure fully laden Front Rear Service Service interval miles or months Weight Gross vehicle weight Gross train weight Nominated MES Workshop Telephone 8 Vehicle Users Guide Vehicles you can drive The following tables list the vehicle category descriptions for driving tests passed after 1 January 1997 and the minimum ages for driving them All weights refer to maximum authorised mass MAM unless stated otherwise This is the total weight of the vehicle plus the maximum load it can carry Cars with and without trailers Motor vehicles with a MAM not exceeding 3500kg having not more than eight passenger seats with a trailer up to 750kg Combinations of tow
7. reach this state probably at about 2mm If you need to replace a tyre you should first contact your local workshop for authorisation and they will advise on the method of replacement either through them an independent fitter or a mobile replacement service If you have a puncture you should replace the wheel with the spare if it is safe to do so and you feel you are competent to carry out this task You should then obtain a replacement as above as soon as possible In the event that you cannot replace the wheel with the spare call your local workshop If this happens outside normal working hours contact the call centre as specified under the Emergency Contact details on page 4 Batteries and exhausts Contact your local workshop and they will advise you of local agreements to replace batteries and exhausts For out of hours emergencies use the number shown on the card on page 4 12 Vehicle Users Guide Weights All vehicles must have either a manufacturer s plate or a Department of Transport plate which gives maximum permitted axle weights and gross weights for use in the UK Information on the Gross Vehicle Weight GVW and Gross Train Weight GTW can be found in the basic details information shown on page 4 or in the vehicle handbook If in doubt or if you have had additional items added to the vehicle for example a crane contact your local workshop who will arrange to get the vehicle weighed How to calculate wei
8. related carriage of petrol and larger non approved containers are available for public use but these must not be purchased for official use e all fuel containers must be safely secured e drivers and passengers must not smoke when carrying fuel in containers e donot smoke or carry a visible naked light when dispensing fuel from containers e avoid spillages and clean up immediately and e never use a mobile phone on the forecourt of a petrol station or close to a vehicle carrying flammable loads If you need to carry larger quantities of fuel refer to Operation Guidance Booklet No 11 Managing Fuel Vehicle Users Guide 43 Overseas travel CAPES vehicles If you want to take your car abroad on either business or pleasure you must apply to the owner in writing not less that one month beforehand for foreign travel documents Further details are contained in the Driver s Pack Before taking the car out of the United obtain comprehensive insurance for the countries to be visited along with continental breakdown and recovery insurance The lease hire company can usually provide the necessary documents As Crown Vehicles are exempt from road tax and are not covered by normal insurance self insured you cannot take them abroad 44 Vehicle Users Guide Kingdom you must at personal expense Other services Fitting accessories Additional accessories may be fitted to the vehicle but only with the per
9. 20413 Dalby Workshop Lower Dalby Pickering North Yorkshire YO18 7LT 01751 460366 Exeter Workshop Bullers Hill Kennford Exeter EX6 7XR 01392 833414 Lakes Workshop Grizedale Ambleside Cumbria LA22 OQS 01229 860415 Lyndhurst Workshop 111 High Street Lyndhurst S043 7BH 02380 282442 Santon Downham Workshop Santon Downham Brandon Suffolk IP27 OTJ 01842 810312 Wales Chirk Workshop Black Park Chirk Wrexham LL14 5BA Crychan Workshop 01691 773463 772573 Tirabed Llangammarch Powys LD4 4DS 01591 601468 610210 TME TME Scotland John Turnbull 55 Moffat Road Dumfries DG1 1NP 01387 266014 TME England Wales Bruce Cochrane Powells Place Welshpool SY21 7JY 01938 557403 Vehicle Users Guide 5 Emergency telephone numbers Telephone the Following Numbers Accident Breakdown recovery or Roadside Assistance Contact Warranty on this vehicle registration mark expires Fire Police or Ambulance 999 For service or accident repairs contact your local workshop For enquiries about supply of fuel fuel cards agency contract lease change or transfer of vehicle contact your OME or TME 6 Vehicle Users Guide Breakdowns If you breakdown out of hours or you cannot contact the workshop call the emergency number on the card on page 4 of this guide You will need the following information e nature of the defect e make of vehicle e registration number e FC number e mileage e
10. Contact Forestry Commission Mechanical Engineering Services Lomond Court Castle Business Park Stirling FK9 4TU Tel 01786 435600 Fax 01786 435601 Web www forestry gov uk mes If you need this publication in an alternative format for example in large print or in another language please contact The Diversity Team Forestry Commission Silvan House 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh EH12 7AT Email diversity forestry gsi gov uk Published by Forestry Commission Mechanical Engineering Services Crown copyright 2009 All photographs by Forestry Commission Picture Library unless otherwise stated Designed by Melville Design Associates April 2009 PP 1K Vehicle Users Guide Introduction This vehicle users guide will help you get the most from your new vehicle supplied by Mechanical Engineering Services MES and should help you throughout the entire contract period The guide also covers vital subject areas such as speed limits towing weights and parts of the Highway Code that you need to be aware of MES is committed to providing you with a first class service as well as a first class vehicle We hope you find the guide useful Glossary of Terms MES Mechanical Engineering Services TME Territorial Mechanical Engineer OME Operational Mechanical Engineer DERV Diesel Engine Road Vehicle CUR Construction amp Use Regulations f 2 Vehicle Users Guide Workshop telephone numbers Emer
11. GB 23 If so complete form C49 also see para 8 of PM2 revised 3 02 C Vehicle Users Guide 47 Accident reporting Forestry Commission Lomond Court Castle Business Park Stirling FK9 4TU Any communication regarding the traffic accident on involving Forestry Commission vehicle registration number should be addressed to Forestry Commission at the above address Section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 grants exemption to Crown vehicles on official business from statutory insurance requirements As such the Forestry Commission bears its own insurance Signed Address This form can be downloaded from the Mechanical Engineering Services site on the intranet 48 Vehicle Users Guide Occasional driver s log All drivers other than the regular driver must complete this log when using this vehicle o 6 20 Nn N in o 2 hn a Finish time Name of driver Start time Date Vehicle Users Guide 49 Notes comments 50 Vehicle Users Guide
12. and offices to steal car keys Security Devices If you think the level of risk to your vehicle warrants additional security talk to your line manager Vehicle Users Guide 37 Returning your vehicle Returning your vehicle When returning your vehicle you must ensure that it is clean inside and out All additional equipment such as towbars lighting boards roof racks roof is serviced and has no significant damage A fully completed service book bars winches etc must also be returned if originally supplied ana rien Renae fe aO SOE Dele Pie Venice Any vehicle returned without all accessories and equipment will result in your All vehicles must be returned to the nominated workshop either at the cost centre being charged for the losses termination of lease or at the time of taking delivery of a new vehicle Vehicles will be inspected by the workshop manager and by the leasing Badges and labels company l l The workshop will arrange the removal of all livery from the vehicle MES has to rectify undue wear and tear Any costs incurred may be passed on to your cost centre and if appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against you Wear and tear All wheel trims must be present and all original equipment refitted when the vehicle is returned at the end of its leasing period The cost of rectifying burns tears heavily stained areas or excessive wear to the inside of the vehicle and luggage area may be charged to your cost cent
13. drive vehicles with no more than 8 passenger seats However they may still drive a 9 16 passenger seat minibus under a permit provided the following conditions are met i the driver has held the category B licence for at least 2 years ii the driver receives no payment or consideration for driving the vehicle other than out of pocket expenses the minibus has a gross weight not exceeding 3 5 tonnes 4 25 tonnes including any specialised equipment for the carriage of disabled passengers see Mechanical Engineering Legal Bulletin MELB 111 for further information on use of Tachographs in minibuses Vehicle Users Guide 21 Driving licence Trailers All drivers who passed their test before 1st January 1997 retain their entitlement to tow trailers until their licence expires This means they are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8 25 tonnes maximum authorised mass MAM They are also entitled to drive a minibus with a maximum of 17 seats with a trailer over 750kgs MAM Any changes to your licence must be notified to your line manager Individual authorisation to drive on FC business As well as your DVLA licence you will need your line manager s authority to drive on FC business in accordance with OGB 22 You do not need to sit another test to drive the majority of vehicles but for certain types such as four wheel drive vehicles and towing trailers a training course is
14. gency telephone numbers Breakdowns Basic details Vehicles you can drive Tyres batteries and exhausts Weights Repairs and service Vehicle driver s log Putting fuel in your vehicle Driving techniques Driving licence Speed limits and limiters Traffic violations Safety Accidents Care of your vehicle Security Returning your vehicle Towing Carrying fuel Overseas travel CAPES vehicles Other services Accident checklist Accident reporting Occasional driver s log Workshop locations Index CO N OO HK Vehicle Users Guide 3 Workshop telephone numbers Scotland Aberfoyle Workshop Aberfoyle Stirlingshire FK9 3UX Ae Garage Ae Village Parkgate Dumfries DG1 1QB Balnacoul Workshop Fochabers Morayshire IV32 7PE Cairnbaan Workshop Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8SQ Chapelhall Workshop Chapelhall Lanarkshire ML6 8RN Creebridge Workshop Creebridge Wigton Stewart Wigtonshire DG8 6A Glenbranter Garage Glenbranter by Dunoon Argyll PA27 8D Inver Workshop Dunkeld Perthshire PH8 OJR Longman Workshop 34 Harbour Road Inverness IV1 1UE Torlundy Workshop Fort William Inverness shire PH33 6SW 4 Vehicle Users Guide 01877 382344 01387 860468 01343 820499 01546 602165 603411 01236 762847 01671 403285 01369 860230 01350 727483 01463 232045 01397 705757 Workshop telephone numbers England Bellingham Workshop Bellingham Hexham NE48 2HP 01434 2
15. ghts Payload Gross Vehicle Weight less kerb weight and an allowance of 75kg for driver Gross Vehicle Weight The total permissible weight of a vehicle with body payload ancillaries fuel oil water driver and crew Kerb Weight The weight of the complete vehicle and all equipment including fuel and water but without the payload driver or any crew All kerb weights quoted are subject to manufacturing tolerances and are for vehicles with minimum equipment Gross Train Weight Only applies if you are towing a trailer The total permissible weight of a vehicle see GVW together with its trailer and load Vehicle Users Guide 13 Repairs and service It is the driver s responsibility to make sure that this vehicle is roadworthy and that it is serviced according to the manufacturer s guidelines The work must be carried out by an MES workshop or at its discretion by an MES approved sub contracted garage You must not take your vehicle to a private garage without authorisation from your workshop When the vehicle is serviced ensure that the vehicle service book is stamped by the workshop or garage Any unauthorised work will be charged to your cost centre Vehicle servicing details Service Interval basic detail information on page 8 Should your vehicle develop a fault report it immediately to your MES workshop who will decide if a repair needs to be done immediately or whether it can wait until the next se
16. he name and address of their insurance company policy number and whether they have comprehensive or third party insurance 5 Advise the police in the following circumstances a when anyone is hurt b when the names and addresses of the parties involved are not exchanged at the time of the accident c when in your opinion the other party has committed an offence which has caused or contributed to the accident 6 Ifthe accident is serious or if there is likely to be any dispute about liability try to get both vehicles photographed at the scene before they are moved 7 Get the full names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident 8 Advise your line manager as soon as possible Complete a traffic accident report C128 as soon as possible while the details of the accident are fresh in your mind 10 Complete a sketch showing full details of the accident 46 Vehicle Users Guide ELS 12 13 Accident checklist Get written statements from any FC people who witnessed the accident Pass the completed traffic accident report sketch and any statements from FC people to your line manager Ensure that a copy of the accident report etc is sent to MES Head Office Lomond Court Stirling within 7 days of the accident Do you need to report the incident as a dangerous occurrence in accordance with section 4 of O
17. ing vehicles in category B and a trailer where the MAM of the combination does not exceed 3500kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle Category Minage B Ve As cars but with automatic transmission B We Combinations of vehicles consisting of a vehicle in category B and a trailer where the combination does not come within category B rate mobility component Age 16 if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher Vehicle Users Guide 9 Vehicles you can drive Vehicles you can drive Minibuses with or without trailers Medium sized vehicles with or without trailers Category Minage Vehicles with between nine and sixteen passenger D1 alles seats with a trailer up to 750kg Vehicles between 3500kg and 7500kg with a trailer CI 18 up to 750kg Combinations of vehicles where the towing vehicle C E Als is in subcategory C1 and its trailer has a MAM of over 750kg provided that the MAM of the combination thus formed does not exceed 12000kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle If you passed your category B test prior to 1 1 1997 you will be restricted to a total weight not more than 8250kg Combinations of vehicles where the towing vehicle DIE 2i is in subcategory D1 and its trailer has a MAM of over 750kg provided that the MAM of the combination thus formed doe
18. mission of the owner Cost centres will be responsible for the goods and all associated costs If these items need to be removed at the end of the lease or the return of the vehicle any remedial work required to make good any damage will be charged to the cost centre Replacement vehicle Many of our workshops can provide loan vehicles subject to demand and availability If your vehicle is off the road or in for a major repair MES will do everything possible to give you a replacement vehicle Before contacting your TME ask your workshop if a loan vehicle is available Use of blue flashing lights The Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 Section 16 permits the use of blue lights on Forestry Commission vehicles for the purpose of fighting fires Flashing blue lights must not be used on FC vehicles for any other purposes Amber flashing lights should be used in all other working situations to warn other motorists Vehicle Users Guide 45 Accident checklist Traffic accidents Form C128b Revd 03 02 If you are involved in a traffic accident while driving an FC vehicle or a hire car on official business complete the following checklist 1 Complete C128a and hand it to other driver 2 Under no circumstances make any remarks which could be taken as an admission of liability 3 Get the full name and address of the other driver and details of their vehicle 4 Get full details about the other driver s insurance including t
19. name s and address es of other person s involved and their insurance details and e record details of other vehicles involved i e registration numbers These should be entered onto form C128 a copy of which is included in this handbook Complete form C128a see example on page 48 showing our HQ Office address and hand it to the other driver s You must report the accident to the Police if e any person is injured e the other party fails to stop at the scene e an animal is injured or e anyone has committed an offence which may have caused or contributed to the accident and property has been damaged 30 Vehicle Users Guide Accidents If youre involved in an accident tell your immediate line manager as soon as possible Once you return to your forest unit or depot you should complete all the details of form C128 This form should be completed for any accident damage to your vehicle whatever the circumstances Report all accident damage to your local workshop The workshop manager will arrange to have the vehicle inspected and accident damage assessed All estimates must be sent to the workshop manager If you are involved in an accident that causes damage or injury to any other person vehicle animal or property you MUST e stop e switch off all engines e do not smoke Vehicle Users Guide 31 Accidents e use your hazard warning lights to warn other traffic e ensure that the accident site i
20. nd fluid levels before starting every journey Vehicle Users Guide 35 Security Did you know Half a million vehicles are stolen in the UK every year Vehicle crime accounts for more than a quarter of all reported crime e 40 per cent of stolen vehicles are never returned to their owners e property is stolen from cars every 13 seconds in England amp Wales and e more than 30 per cent of vehicle crime happens in car parks Common car sense Always e close the windows and sunroof lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended and e park with care particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time If possible park in a busy well lit area 36 Vehicle Users Guide Security Never e Leave cash credit cards cheque book mobile phones vehicle documents fuel cards laptop computers memory sticks or other valuables in the car If you have no choice but to do so make sure they are hidden well out of sight before you begin your journey thieves may be watching you park Remember e forall a thief knows carrier bags may contain valuables so ensure they are hidden out of sight to reduce temptation e always keep your keys safe Never leave them in the car even for a second and e treat them as you would your cash and credit cards Make sure they are kept in a secure place at home and at work burglars have been known to break into houses
21. ndscreen Condition of body Condition of wipers E e amp amp Condition of all tyres minimum depth 1 6mm Drivers should investigate unusual fluid losses for example oil or antifreeze Spills on parking areas could give a good indication that the vehicle has developed a leak 16 Vehicle Users Guide Vehicle driver s log Driver s log We are legally required to be able to identify the drivers of all our vehicles The regular driver of the vehicle must complete a log similar to the one below Date from Date to Driver Signature All drivers other than the regular driver must complete the Occasional Driver s Log For an example see page 49 Vehicle Users Guide 17 Putting fuel in your vehicle Agency cards For most FC vehicles an agency card is the preferred method of payment for fuel It does however have some obligations and procedures attached to it If you are a cardholder you need to be aware of the guidelines for use Note It is your responsibility to safe guard the fuel card at all times Keep your fuel card safe keep it with you at all times Never leave the fuel card in the vehicle Bulk fuel Many forest district sites and workshops have bulk fuel installations This fuel should be used whenever possible as it can be cheaper than pump prices This will help us to reduce the total running costs of vehicles Local accounts In
22. ng an FC vehicle the law will hold you as driver responsible for any offences which may arise such as speeding illegal parking and contravention of Construction and Use Regulations Further details are given in Personnel Memorandum 2 issued on 19 October 2000 You are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle complies with legal requirements in the same way that you would be for you own car You should regularly check your lights and tyres and get any faults remedied by reporting them to your nominated workshop If you are asked to produce your driving documents by the Police you should inform them that a Crown vehicle is exempt from vehicle excise duty and instead carries on the windscreen a disc certifying Crown Exemption You should also point out that the Forestry Commission does not formally insure its vehicles but carries the risk itself as allowed under Section 183 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 Parking and motoring offences You are personally responsible for any fines resulting from parking and motoring offences and these should be paid within the prescribed time You must report any traffic offence endorsement imposition of penalty points etc to your immediate line manager Mobile phones You must keep control of your vehicle at all times It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone or microphone when driving Using hands free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road It is far safer not to u
23. ns make it safer to do so and e driving at night as it is harder to see other road users Vehicle Users Guide 23 Speed limits and limiters National speed limits These are the national speed limits and apply to all roads unless signs show otherwise Paragraph 124 of the Highway Code refers Built up Single Dual Motorways areas carriage carriage VEVE ways Cars 30 48 60 96 70 112 70 112 including car derived vans up to 2 tonnes maximum laden weight Cars towing caravans or 30 48 50 80 60 96 60 96 trailers including car derived vans Buses coaches and 30 48 50 80 60 96 70 112 minibuses not exceeding 12 metres in overall length Goods vehicles 30 48 50 80 60 96 FOU not exceeding 7 5 tonnes maximum laden weight Goods vehicles 30 48 40 64 50 80 60 96 exceeding 7 5 tonnes maximum laden weight The 30mph limit applies to all traffic on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise 60 if articulated or towing a trailer 24 Vehicle Users Guide Speed limits and limiters Goods vehicles between 3 5 and 7 5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with more than 8 seats irrespective of weight which were first registered after 1 October 2001 must be fitted with a speed limiter further information on use of limiters in minibuses is available in MELB 111 Limiters must be calibrated and set or adjusted so that the
24. ook You must bear in mind the total weight will include passengers and vehicle load the trailer and any items put in the trailer Vehicle Loading It is your responsibility to ensure that the load is safe 40 Vehicle Users Guide Towing You must e not tow more than your licence permits you to e not overload your vehicle or trailer You should not tow a weight greater than that recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle and e secure your load Loading your trailer Many problems associated with towing a trailer are caused by incorrect loading When loading the trailer try and put all heavy items over the axle and make sure they are secured to prevent movement when cornering or braking Where possible put heavier items in the vehicle and lighter items in the trailer Consult your trailer and vehicle handbooks to establish the correct nose weight for your trailer P ES actual laden weight Ideally the actual laden weight of the trailer should not exceed 85 per cent of the kerbside weight of the vehicle Sensible Loading how to proportion it light items medium items heavy items The actual laden weight of the trailer should not exceed the kerbside weight of the vehicle Vehicle Users Guide 41 Towing Before setting off Make sure the trailer is regularly serviced and maintained You should not leave a trailer unused for the majority of the year and then take it out on
25. re Costs to rectify body damage may also be charged to your cost centre You must return e all keys including master keys e spare wheel e jack e wheel brace e parcel shelf e radio equipment etc and e service book 38 Vehicle Users Guide Vehicle Users Guide 39 Towing You must ensure the tyres on your vehicle or trailer are not over loaded by keeping them at their correct pressure Never exceed the vehicle s Gross Axle Weight Rating GAWR or the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating GVWR This information can be found on the certification label or in your vehicle owner s manual You should also ensure the vehicle load is distributed evenly so that no individual axle or tyre is overloaded Speed restrictions When towing a trailer the speed limit remains the same in a built up area but is restricted to 50mph on single carriageway roads and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways provided no lower limit is in force You are not allowed to use the outside lane on motorways with three or more lanes when towing If you tow a small trailer without brakes the weight of the trailer is limited to 50 per cent of the kerb weight of the car or 750kg whichever is less When towing larger trailers that have brakes fitted the laden weight of the trailer should not as a rule of thumb exceed 85 per cent of the kerb weight of the vehicle Details of the manufacturer s towing capacity can be found on page 8 of this handb
26. rvice Giving the workshop this prior notice will allow it to order any necessary spare parts so that turn around time for repairs can be minimised 14 Vehicle Users Guide i Repairs and service MOT It is an offence to use a vehicle on public roads without a valid test certificate The current MOT requirements are e Cars and light vehicles require their first test three years from the date of first registration and every year thereafter e Passenger carrying vehicles with more than nine seats including the driver s seat and vehicles weighing more than 3500kg require an annual test one year from first registration and every year thereafter You MUST NOT drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate when it should have one The only exception to this is that you may drive to a prearranged test appointment or to a garage for repairs required for the test Reference Road Traffic Act 1988 sections 45 47 49 and 53 Vehicle driver s log Checks As well as servicing and MOT tests you should regularly check your vehicle to make sure it is fit for purpose These checks should be noted in the driver s log as this will help keep tabs on potential problems You should report all faults to the workshop As an aide memoire you should use the following checklist Daily Weekly Windscreen washer level X All fluid levels water oil power steering brake fluid X Tyre pressures Condition of wi
27. s made safe and that approaching drivers are warned of the danger e arrange for the emergency services to be called immediately and give full details of the accident location and any casualties On a motorway use the emergency telephones as these allow the services to locate you quickly If you use a mobile phone first make sure you have identified your location from the marker posts on the side of the hard shoulder e move uninjured people away from the vehicles to safety on a motorway this should if possible be well away from the traffic the hard shoulder and central reservation e do not move injured people from their vehicle s unless they are in immediate danger from fire or explosion e extinguish minor fires a fire extinguisher is fitted to all FC vehicles Do not attempt to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment as opening the bonnet will make the fire flare Call the fire brigade and e donot remove a motorcyclists helmet unless it is essential to do so If you must remove helmet take great care to support the neck to prevent further injury Stay at the scene until emergency services arrive Co operate fully with the emergency services 32 Vehicle Users Guide Care of your vehicle Entertainment radio Most vehicle radios are protected by a security code and in the event of a flat or disconnected battery the radio will be deactivated To reactivate the radio you will need to enter the four digit security
28. s not exceed 12000kg and the MAM of the trailer does not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle Age 18 if combination weight is under 7500kg Category Minage Large vehicles with or without trailers Vehicles over 3500kg with a trailer up to 750kg alles Vehicles over 3500kg with a trailer over 750kg CHE le Age 17 if member of the armed forces Age 18 while learning to drive or taking a passenger carrying vehicle PCV test or not engaged in the carriage of passengers or after passing a PCV test when driving on a regular service where the route does not exceed 50km driving a PCV constructed to carry no more than 16 passengers the vehicle is operated under a public service PSV operators licence or permit Age 17 if member of armed forces Age 18 if member of the young drivers scheme 10 Vehicle Users Guide Vehicle Users Guide 11 Tyres batteries and exhausts Tyres Ensure you know the correct tyre pressure for the vehicle Correct tyre pressures are important as low pressure will increase fuel consumption and emissions The legal minimum tread depth for tyres in the UK and throughout the European Community is 1 6mm throughout a continuous band comprising the centre three quarters of the breadth of tread and around the entire outer circumference of the tyre It is your responsibility to ensure that the tyres are replaced before they
29. se any telephone while you are driving so find a safe place to stop first Vehicle Users Guide 27 Safety A ten point plan for avoiding road rage il 10 28 Forget work or home worries while you re behind the wheel and concentrate on your driving Plan your journey as this helps reduce anxiety and stress Listening to the radio can help reduce stress especially in traffic jams Try to adopt a positive mental attitude This helps with the frustration of congestion Don t try to change other people s attitude to driving you can t but you can change Try to be courteous and stay calm if provoked by another driver Drive with your car doors locked and if you see trouble don t leave the safety of your vehicle Count slowly from 1 to 10 if you are tempted to jump out of your vehicle in a fit of rage Dont retaliate by flashing headlights sounding your horn or making rude gestures It only makes a volatile situation worse f you are the victim of aggression take note of the person s registration number and report the incident to the police as soon as possible Vehicle Users Guide Safety Safety checks Check your vehicle regularly Remember you are responsible for the roadworthiness of your vehicle External checks Make sure your mirrors are clean and are working correctly your windscreen wipers are making complete contact with the screen and that the rubbers are not cracked or
30. stand the meaning of all warning displays on the vehicle instrument panel Do not ignore warning lights When you turn on the ignition key warning lights will be illuminated but will go out when the engine starts except the parking brake warning light If they do not or if they come on whilst you are driving stop and investigate the problem If the charging warning light comes on while you are driving it may mean that the battery isn t charging This must be checked as soon as possible to avoid loss of power to lights and other electrical systems 34 Vehicle Users Guide Care of your vehicle Report all defects to the workshop Daily and weekly maintenance will help keep your vehicle looking and working at its best You must look after your vehicle and this will include washing the vehicle and cleaning the interior on a regular basis e g once a week You should also clean your vehicle before presenting it for service or repair Check tyre pressures weekly Do this before your journey when the tyres are cold Tyre pressures are set when tyres are cold and warm tyres or hot tyres may give a misleading reading Never deflate warm tyres to the recommended cold pressure Check the fluid levels in your vehicle at least weekly Low brake fluid may result in brake failure and an accident Make sure you recognise the low fluid warning lights All drivers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle and check all tyres a
31. the engine wastes fuel and causes rapid engine wear 6 Accessories such as roof racks bike carriers and roof boxes significantly affect your car s aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency so remember to remove them when not in use 7 Avoid short journeys a cold engine uses almost twice as much fuel and catalytic converters can take five miles to become effective Plan your journeys to avoid congestion road works and getting lost 9 Check your tyre pressure regularly under inflated tyres are dangerous and can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 per cent 10 If you re stuck in a jam switch the engine off if you expect to be there for more than a minute or two Switching the engine off will save fuel and reduce emissions Source Energy Saving Trust further details available at www energysavingtrust org uk 20 Vehicle Users Guide Driving licence You need a valid driving licence to drive FC vehicles You should ensure that the categories on your licence are appropriate for the vehicle you drive Minibuses Staff must be specifically authorised to drive a minibus in accordance with OGB22 Driving at Work Driving licence requirements prior to authorisation are a drivers of minibuses must be over 21 b have passed their test before 1 January 1997 and have category D1 entitlement or c hold a PCV licence d drivers who passed their test on or after 1 January 1997 A category B licence allows people to
32. the road without first checking it is roadworthy in particular brakes tyres and lights You should remember that a vehicle and trailer will take longer to stop accelerate and turn than a vehicle on its own As an aide memoire use the following checklist e make sure the trailer is regularly serviced and maintained check tyre wear All tyres must have a tread depth of at least 1 6mm across the central three quarters of the breadth of the tread and around the entire circumference e check the tyres are correctly inflated and free from cuts and other defects for example cracking or perishing e check the operation and condition of all lights All lights must be kept clean e check the operation of brakes and ensure that the wheels turn freely when the brakes are released i e they don t bind and e check the condition of the body headboard tailgate and all anchorage points 42 Vehicle Users Guide Carrying fuel Road Traffic Regulations state that highly inflammable fuels may only be carried in approved containers The following rules apply e when moving petrol by road you can avoid all requirements of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2004 known as ADR by using a container of no more than 3 litre capacity On arrival at your destination the petrol must be transferred quickly to the machine or vehicle tank The ADR exempts private non work
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