Suzanna Bull
29 Nov 2019 · Coroner Louise Hunt · Birmingham and Solihull
The coroner's concerns
1. blind spot from fixed tray
“The fact that the tray creates a blind spot may not be apparent to users. There is no warning on the tray to say that it can create a blind spot when fixed in place whilst the vehicle is moving. Consideration should be given to placing a clear warning on the tray that it should not be fitted.”
2. lack of warning to manufacturers and haulage firms
“There is no general warning to lorry manufacturers and haulage firms to advise against the use of such trays in a moving vehicle due to the blind spot it creates. Consideration should be given to sending out a warning to all manufacturers and users to highlight the concern.”
3. missing stationary-use warning on dashboard tray
“There is no warning on the dashboard tray to say that it should only be fitted when the vehicle is parked up and stationary.”
Responses
2019-0404-Response-from-Driver-and-Vehicle-Standards-Agency-Redacted.pdf ↗· Department for Transport
Stated action · 6 May 2020
“On the 6 May 2020 we propose to highlight the areas of concern in your report to attendees at our regular Heavy Vehicle Industry Forum.”
2019-0404-Response-from-the-Department-for-Transport-Redacted.pdf ↗· Department for Transport
Stated action · next few weeks
“During the next few weeks: e the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will circulate an update to its distribution list of haulage operators' information that will state that aftermarket dashboard trays breach testing rules and should be removed when heavy goods vehicles are being driven; e the DVSA will publish similar information on the gov.uk website; e DVSA compliance officers will be made aware of this specific issue in the context of roadside checks (with instances already being li”