According to the union, mobile cranes are currently exempt from requiring an annual MoT. Following a three year long consultation, the Department of Transport has recently announced that it will introduce regulations which will require mobile cranes which are on an HGV chassis to undergo MoT’s.
However, Unite has warned that most mobile cranes are of the all-terrain variety and they will continue to be exempt from MoT testing as many of them are too large to fit into a testing centre.
Unite is calling for compulsory testing and tachograph systems to be introduced in order to improve safety and to reassure both drivers and other road users the vehicles are roadworthy. Unlike a lorry these vehicles can currently be driven on the roads without restriction and without the driver having to undertake mandatory breaks.
Unite national officer for construction Bernard McAulay said: “Members of the public will be concerned that there are no rules ensuring that these large machines are roadworthy. Mobile crane drivers need to know that they are in a safe vehicle.
“It is also totally wrong that drivers are currently allowed to drive these cranes for hours on end without any requirements to have a break, this is dangerous for both the driver and other road users.
“The government must stop hiding behind cost concerns and hoping the industry will introduce voluntary regulation. The only way to improve standards and safety is through statutory testing and clear rules on driving time.
“Chris Grayling must re-think the government’s response. Too often we have seen how penny pinching on safety matters has terrible consequences and we should ensure that this is not the case with regards to mobile cranes including the all-terrain variety.”
On Sunday night, a mobile crane brought the M62 motorway to a standstill when it caught fire. Four fire engines were called to deal with the blaze on the westbound carriageway between J21 Milnrow and J20 Rochdale.
Greater Manchester Fire Service said: “The vehicle was well alight on arrival of crew and the heat had caused the vehicles tyres to explode which could be heard across parts of Rochdale and Oldham.”
The road reopened on Monday morning but one lane was still closed while a clean-up operation and removal of wreckage continued.
