M5 junction 6 to junction 7 safety barrier replacement
I’m writing to inform you of some upcoming maintenance work on the M5, near Worcester. This work will be carried out on our behalf by our contractor, Carnell.
What we’re doing and why? We’ll be replacing the safety barrier, alternatively known as the ‘vehicle restraint system’, on the M5 between junction 6 and junction 7.
We’ll remove the existing steel barrier in the central reserve, which will then be replaced with a new concrete barrier. This will ensure we continue to provide a safer road to all road users. Our work will also include lighting and drainage improvements.
When will this work take place?
Our work will start on 21 February 2022, and this should complete by Spring 2023. This will include a combination of day time and night time working. To reduce disruption to customers, most of our work will be carried out under narrow lanes which will ensure the M5 remains open. For added safety, a 50mph speed limit will be in place, along with speed enforcement and free recovery. This has been designed to protect both the road user and workforce on site. To install the narrow lanes, we’ll need a number of overnight closures between junction 5 and junction 8.
These will be in place as follows;
M5 northbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 21 February, 22 February and 23 February, 8pm to 6am.
M5 northbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 24 February, 25 February, 26 February and 27 February, 8pm to 6am.
M5 northbound, junction 8 to junction 5 closed overnight on 5 March and 6 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 6 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 28 February, 1 March, 2 March, 3 March and 4 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 7 entry and exit slip closed overnight on 7 March and 8 March, 8pm to 6am.
M5 southbound, junction 5 to junction 8 closed overnight on 12 March and 13 March, 8pm to 6am.
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New EU rules introduced on 2 February mean information on some loaded goods journeys in and between European Member States now need to be registered on a new EU web-based portal before you set off.
If you’re transporting goods between 2 points in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway for commercial purposes (known as cabotage or cross trade), you’ll need to make a “posting declaration”, which means registering the operator, driver, driver employment details, dates of travel, and the vehicle used.
This could be using HGVs, vans or other light goods vehicles of any size, or cars, whether or not you’re towing a trailer. It will apply if you’re moving the goods for hire or reward, or for your own business’ use.
The information you need to sign up and start declaring is available on GOV.UK.
Or, you can access the EU Portal and FAQs now.
From 21 May 2022, new EU rules will mean operators or users of vans or other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight that transport goods from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for hire or reward will also need to obtain an International Operators’ Licence.
This will include a requirement to appoint a designated transport manager, so you need to get ready now.
You can use the service on GOV.UK to apply to be recognised as a temporary transport manager if by 20 August 2020, you have had 10 years’ or more experience of managing fleets of vehicles.
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It’s important when you’re transporting horses, that you know what you can and cannot do. Horses are important animals and worth a considerable amount so you will want to do the best for them.
We’ve reformatted and updated the horsebox guidance into a series of webpages, rather than the old PDF version.
It will be easier to search for and quickly access the information you need, instead of scrolling through multiple pages.
Many horseboxes are only used during the warmer months and can lie, unused, for a considerable amount of time.
This means they can develop defects, so don’t forget to have your horsebox or trailer inspected by a qualified mechanic before using it. This is particularly important before the annual test (MOT) for bigger horseboxes to make sure they are in a roadworthy condition to pass and safe to be taken out on the road.
You should also carry out walkaround checks on your vehicle before you take it out. This will help you spot any potential problems before they become major issues threatening the wellbeing of your horse.
You can also get a free safety check from the National Trailer and Towing Association.
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The Traffic Commissioners for Great Britain would like to draw your attention to the information shared by the Department for Transport and the DVSA yesterday.