Jurisdiction:  UK

Commencement:   Exit day

Amends:   

1) Road Traffic Act 1988

2) Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009

3) The Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval and Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 2018

Amendments

1) Road Traffic Act 1988

This amendment has no direct relevance to health & safety matters.

Due to the UK leaving the European Union (EU), manufacturers holding an EU approval from an EU-27 approval authority will need to apply for a Provisional UK type approval from the VCA in order to be able to register their motor vehicles in the UK. Amendments are made to this Act to introduce the scheme to allow Provisional UK type approvals to come into force. Provisional UK type approval will be issued by the UKs type approval authority, the VCA.

2) Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009

This amendment has no direct relevance to environmental matters.

When the UK leaves the European Union (EU), minor amendments are made to the 2009 Regulations to ensure that they function following EU Exit day. This includes, for the purposes of this legislation, that the UK is treated as a Member State of the EU.

3) The Non-Road Mobile Machinery (Type-Approval and Emission of Gaseous and Particulate Pollutants) Regulations 2018

This amendment has no direct relevance to environmental matters.

When the UK leaves the European Union (EU), minor amendments are made to arrangements for approval authorities when granting type approvals.

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Jurisdiction:  EU

Commencement:   10th July 2019

Amends:   

1) Regulation (EC) No 595/2009 on type-approval of motor vehicles and engines with respect to emissions from heavy duty vehicles (Euro VI) and on access to vehicle repair and maintenance information and amending Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and Directive 2007/46/EC and repealing Directives 80/1269/EEC, 2005/55/EC and 2005/78/EC

2) Regulation (EU) 2018/956 on the monitoring and reporting of CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of new heavy-duty vehicles

3) Council Directive 96/53/EC of 25 July 1996 laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic

Summary

These Regulations set CO2  emission performance standards for new heavy duty vehicles within the EU, with the intention of contributing to the EUs many obligations in reducing emissions and combating global warming. By 31 December 2022, the Commission shall submit a report to the EU Parliament and Council on the effectiveness of this Regulation, outlined in Article 15, on its effectiveness at helping to achieve these aims.

From 2025 manufacturers will be required to comply with their specific CO2 emissions target, or will be required to pay an excess CO2 emissions premium if it is not met. 

These Regulations apply to new heavy-duty vehicles of categories N2* and N3* that meet the following characteristics:

• rigid lorries with a 4×2 axle configuration and a technically acceptable maximum laden mass of more than 16 tonnes (T);
• rigid lorries with a 6×2 axle configuration;
• tractors with a 4×2 axle configuration and a technically acceptable maximum laden mass exceeding 16T; and
• tractors with a 6×2 axle configuration.

It also applies to new heavy-duty vehicles of category N* that do not fall within the scope of Regulation (EU) No 510/2011 setting emission performance standards for new light commercial vehicles as part of the Union’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from light-duty vehicles and do not fit the characteristics for lorries listed above. 

Vehicles that fit into the categories above are, for the purposes of this Regulation, considered new- heavy-duty vehicles for a 12 month period, starting from 1st July 2020, if they are registered in the EU for the first time in that period and have not been previously registered outside the EU. 

A previous registration outside the Union made less than 3 months before registration in the EU is not recognised as a previous registration. 

*Vehicles of category N and vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods.  

*N2 vehicles are vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes. 

*N3 vehicles are vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of goods and having a maximum mass exceeding 12 tonnes.

Duties

Average specific CO2 emissions of a manufacturer

Starting from the 1st of July 2020, and in each subsequent reporting period, the average specific CO2 emissions, in grammes per tonne-kilometre (g/tkm)*, for the preceding reporting period for manufacturers will be set by the Commission in accordance with Article 4.

*g/tkm is a measurement of specific CO2 emissions for  freight transport.

Zero- and low-emission heavy-duty vehicles

Starting from 1 July 2020, and for each subsequent reporting period, the zero- and low-emission factor for the preceding reporting period shall be determined for each manufacturer by the Commission in accordance with Article 5. This is calculated by the commission taking into account the number and CO2 emissions of zero- and low-emission heavy-duty vehicles in the manufacturers fleet in a reporting period.  

Specific CO2 emissions targets of a manufacturer

Starting from the 1st of July 2026, and in each subsequent reporting period, a specific CO2 emissions target for the preceding reporting period shall be determined for each manufacturer by the Commission, in accordance with Article 6.

Emission credits and emission debts

To determine a manufacturers compliance with its specific CO2 emissions targets in the reporting periods of the years 2025 to 2029, account shall be taken of its emission credits or emission debts determined in accordance with Article 7.

Emission credits can be acquired in the reporting years 2019 to 2029. However the emission credits acquired in the reporting periods of the years 2019 to 2024 are only taken into account for the purpose of determining the manufacturers compliance with the specific CO2 emissions target of the reporting period of the year 2025.

Emission debts are only acquired in the reporting periods of the years 2025 to 2029 and the total emission debt of a manufacturer must not exceed the emission debt limit*.

Emission credits and debts acquired in the reporting periods of the years 2025 to 2028 can be carried-over from one reporting period to the next reporting period and any remaining emission debts shall be cleared in the reporting period of the year 2029.

*The emission debit limit is the maximum amount a manufacturer can be in debt which is capped at 5 % of the specific CO2 emissions target in the reporting period of the year 2025 multiplied by the number of heavy-duty vehicles of the manufacturer in that period.

Compliance with the specific CO2 emissions targets

If a manufacturer is found to have excess CO2 in any reporting period from 2025 onwards, the commission will impose an excess CO2 emission premium on the manufacturer in the form of a fine, in accordance with Article 8. 

Verification of the CO2 emissions of heavy-duty vehicles in-service

Manufacturers must ensure the CO2 emission and fuel consumption values recorded in the customer information file, referred to in Article 9(4) of Regulation (EU) 2017/2400 for the determination of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles, corresponds to the CO2 emissions from and fuel consumption of heavy-duty vehicles in-service.

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Jurisdiction:  UK

Commencement:   6^th November 2019

Amends:   

1) The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994

2) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

3) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

Amendments

1) The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994

These Regulations make technical changes in Regulation 43(5), a defence for the offence of picking or cutting a wild plant of a European protected species, updating outdated references to The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 by substituting it with The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018, which have replaced it.  

There are no significant changes to organisations.

2) The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

These Regulations make technical changes to the offence in Scotland of holding certain bird species within a period of time under Section (7)(3)(c). They replace outdated reference to The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 with reference to The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018.

3) The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017

These Regulations make technical changes to the Interpretation of Part 3, which covers the protection of animal and plant species. It updates outdated references to The Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Enforcement) Regulations 1997 and substitutes it with The Control of Trade in Endangered Species Regulations 2018, which have replaced it.

There are no significant changes to organisations.

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Jurisdiction:  UK

Commencement:   25^th October 2019

Amends:   Housing and Planning Act 2016

Amendment

These Regulations brings in to force Sections 122 and 123 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016. These sections give the Secretary of State the power to make regulations imposing duties on private landlords of residential premises in England, to ensure electrical safety standards are met during tenancies.

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Jurisdiction:  UK

Commencement:   30th October 2019 

Amends:   European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018

Amendment

The definition of exit day is updated to mean the 31st January 2020. This is to ensure that it is in line with the new date agreed on which the UK is due to leave the European Union. There are no changes in duties for organisations.

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The Legislation Update Service is the best way to stay up to date automatically with legislation in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our intuitive online system helps manage your compliance obligations for environment, health & safety and food.

Research conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows that thousands of homes could have potentially deadly blind cords.

The research found a significant percentage of the following rooms around the house have blinds fitted more than five years ago, before new safety standards were introduced to prevent death and serious injury from cord accidents:

• 33% of blinds in children’s bedrooms;
• 38% of blinds in hallways; and
• 41% of blinds in kitchens.

Worryingly, nearly two-thirds of blinds in children’s bedrooms have looped cords or chains, which pose the most severe risk. 29% of homes have no safety devices fitted on their blinds.

The new standards for blinds were released in 2014, but only apply to the manufacture and fitting of blind cords, meaning those fitted before 2014 are unlikely to incorporate the new safety standards or be supplied with safety devices.

RoSPA has issued safety tips for blind cords:

• Install blinds that do not have a looped cord;
• Cords on blinds should be kept out of reach of children;
• Do not place a child’s cot, bed or playpen near a window;
• It is not recommended that cords are cut, as they have the potential to become more dangerous 

Research conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) shows that thousands of homes could have potentially deadly blind cords.

The research found a significant percentage of the following rooms around the house have blinds fitted more than five years ago, before new safety standards were introduced to prevent death and serious injury from cord accidents:

• 33% of blinds in children’s bedrooms;
• 38% of blinds in hallways; and
• 41% of blinds in kitchens.

Worryingly, nearly two-thirds of blinds in children’s bedrooms have looped cords or chains, which pose the most severe risk. 29% of homes have no safety devices fitted on their blinds.

The new standards for blinds were released in 2014, but only apply to the manufacture and fitting of blind cords, meaning those fitted before 2014 are unlikely to incorporate the new safety standards or be supplied with safety devices.

RoSPA has issued safety tips for blind cords:

• Install blinds that do not have a looped cord;
• Cords on blinds should be kept out of reach of children;
• Do not place a child’s cot, bed or playpen near a window;
• It is not recommended that cords are cut, as they have the potential to become more dangerous 

Newground has funded an acrylic nail course and an eyelash extension course for 12 residents.

Newground has commissioned DLB Nail & Beauty Academy to deliver a course at Shadsworth Community Hub, which will result in a qualification accredited by ABT (Associated Beauty Therapists). 

The training is one of a number of opportunities being offered via More Positive Together, a European Social Funded project which is designed to help Lancashire residents who are furthest away from the employment market, lead active lives and improve their employment prospects.   

Newground Together is one of a number of partners delivering on this project along with Prince’s Trust, other social housing providers and third sector organisations in the county. 

Newground Together supports residents in the most deprived neighbourhoods in Lancashire, many of whom have multiple and complex barriers to employment and progression such as lack of childcare. 

To overcome this, Newground Together is raising awareness of the free 15 or 30 hours childcare that every unemployed parent is entitled to each week, as well as funding childcare throughout the duration of the course. 

Alison Clews, Skills & Enterprise Co-ordinator at Newground Together, said: “According to the Department of Work and Pensions, many parents are missing out on their free childcare allowance because they don’t realise they are entitled to it. 

“In addition to funding childcare, it’s to allow parents to learn a new skill and gain a qualification, we are also raising awareness of the free childcare available. This is invaluable because it not only gives the parent some respite but it also allows the children to socialise with other children their age, which is important for development.” 

Emma McKay, who has a two-year-old son, said: “I just wanted a better life for my kids rather than being on benefits. I’ve always wanted to do nails and this has helped me. It has increased my confidence/ I suffer from anxiety so it’s good to get out” Emma added that the free childcare offered as part of the course has really helped her son too as he was going through a separation anxiety period.  

Alice Priestley is mum to three young kids and struggled with getting childcare to go anywhere so the supported childcare has helped. She said: “You have to keep pushing yourself. You can always find a way. You just have to keep looking” After Alice has completed the course and gains her qualification, she is hoping to work from home and run her own business.  

The course is proving to be such a success that some of the girls have booked themselves onto the advanced course, in the hope of becoming self–employed or to work in a nail studio. 

DLB Nail & Beauty Academy is celebrating its fifth successful year in business and is run by mother and daughter team, Sue Stanley and Danielle Carolan. Danielle set up the firm in 2014 after gaining 14 years’ practical experience in the beauty industry and a teaching degree from Blackburn College.  The firm was shortlisted for the Skills Provider Award at the 2018 Red Rose Awards. 

Speaking of the new initiative, Danielle said: “The beauty industry is booming and it’s great that we can help so many people to embark on a new career path. Our students are highly skilled and we’ve a history of training the most talented beauticians in the region. It’s exciting to be able to offer new students the chance to achieve the job of their dreams.” 

Unemployed parents in Blackburn have been offered the chance to pursue a career in beauty therapy thanks to Newground Together.

Join us for our brand new webinar series to hear about the recent changes in environment and health and safety legislation that affect your business.

These interactive sessions will be led by our senior consultants where you will have the chance to ask questions throughout the session.
When are they taking place?
The dates are as follows:

Health & Safety – Friday 17th January 2020

Environment – Friday 24th January 2020

Both webinars will be held at 11am and last for around an hour.
What will be covered?
The webinars will:

• provide an update on the key changes to legislation over recent months;
• preview any relevant legislation on the horizon;
• take you through any recent updates to LUS and how these relate to the relevant management system standards; and
• include a question and answer session.

The slides and a video of the session will be available to attendees for download after the event.
How do I book on?
LUS subscribers can click below to book a free place.

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