Partner Gateway

General Instructions

ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

It is an offence to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Alcohol or drugs (other than those prescribed by a doctor) are not allowed on P&O Ferrymasters sites or on customer’s premises.

USE OF MOBILE PHONES AND CB RADIOS

If drivers have the use of a mobile phone or a CB radio during the course of their working day they must:

Exercise proper control of their vehicle at all times.

Never use a hand-held mobile phone or CB radio when driving. If customer instructions prohibit the use of all types of mobile phones whilst driving this should be complied with.

Always park their vehicle safely before taking any written notes in connection with their work.

DRIVING LICENSES

It is the driver’s responsibility to:

Ensure that their professional and ordinary Driving License(s), and their ADR license (as relevant), are current and with them at all times.

SEAT BELTS

Large goods vehicles have to be fitted with anchorage points and in many instances seat belts are also fitted; in which case the driver and any passenger sitting in the front seats must wear the belts.

Failure to comply with the regulations is an offence and carries a substantial fine on summary conviction.

VEHICLE CHECKS

Drivers must check their unit & trailer to ensure that:
- The vehicle has current road fund and ‘O’ Licence discs, as appropriate.
- Fuel, oil and water levels are correct and topped-up as required.
- Tyres are free from damage, complying with legislation regarding tread depth.
- Wheel-nuts are tight (visually).
- Lights/indicators are working and lenses clean and unbroken.
- Number plates are clean and the correct number plate displayed on trailer.
- Brakes are operating effectively.

VEHICLE ROUTING

Drivers should identify and follow the optimum route between their starting and finishing points, taking into consideration areas of environmental concern and any vehicle bans/restrictions, ADR requirements and customer requests.

DROWSINESS

Drivers should if they start to feel sleepy find a safe place to stop (not on a motorway hard shoulder). It is recommended that a driver feeling drowsy consumes a strong caffeine drink, followed by a 15 minute nap to allow the caffeine to take effect.

To combat the risk of falling asleep at the wheel drivers should:
- Get adequate sleep prior to a journey.
- Avoid eating heavy meals before driving.
- Plan their journey to include adequate rest breaks.
- Never drive if affected by alcohol or drugs; this to include some over the counter medicines that can make you drowsy.
- Keep a plentiful supply of fresh air circulating in the cab.

DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

Drivers should be aware of changing road conditions in relation to weather and drive accordingly.

PARKING UP

When parking up drivers should always:
- Ensure that their vehicle is not causing an obstruction to other road users.
- Where possible, park in a location that is well lit and known to be secure, preferably in a recognised lorry park.
- Drivers should refer to their Traffic Office for advice as to where to park, if the load is of high value.

SECURITY

Drivers should always be mindful of security and must:
- Check the seal number on the trailer against the one on the CMR. If the seal numbers are different then they must report this to their Traffic Office immediately.
- Never leave the vehicle unlocked or the keys in the cab.
- Use vehicle immobiliser if fitted.
- Park box vans so the doors cannot be opened.
- Never discuss the type of load you are carrying or the customer you are collecting from or delivering to over the CB or at a Truckstop etc.
- Check seal after every break in journey.

Hijacking is a risk and can be minimised by drivers:
- Locking cab doors.
- Being mindful of any bogus officials, consignees or in breakdown situations.
- Being suspicious of anyone following them, either on foot e.g. when returning to the vehicle, or on the road.

ILLEGAL IMPORTS/EXPORTS

When collecting consignments be aware of any unusual packages, cargo or behaviour. If a driver has any queries or suspicions, they should contact their Traffic Office immediately.

When driving from one country to another, drivers should report anyone who asks them to carry any goods/packages (that are in addition to their load), to the authorities.

VEHICLE HEIGHT

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure he is aware of the running height of his vehicle when coupled to a trailer and that it is compliant with regional requirements that are in force. The driver is to plan his route accordingly, taking into account bridge heights and any other height restrictions eg. fuelling stations, that maybe in place. Where in cab height indicators are fitted, they must be set at the beginning of each journey as a reminder of the running height of the vehicle for that particular journey.