Government ROPs role criticised

Questions have been raised in the House of Commons about the lack of guidance from the Government on Euro legislation which will require plant hirers to fit roll-over protection structures (ROPS) on mobile plant by 5 December.

David Chidgey, the Liberal Democrat trade and industry spokesman pressed Alan Meal, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Transport and Regions for clarification on the proposals and a solution to the problem of meeting the looming deadline.

Chidgey said: "There can be no question that not a single life should be lost through unnecessary delay in introducing the new safety measures.

"But construction plant hire firms are in a dilemma. Manufacturers claim they do not have the capacity to produce all the roll-over protection kits needed in time to comply with the new laws."

Chidgey also questioned the Government's apparent favouritism in applying the legislation. He brought up the issue of the anomaly which gives contractors a four-year window to meet the Euro law. "All regulations should apply universally," he told CJ.

Chidgey has made a formal request to attend the meeting between Meal and the Construction Plant-hire Association, scheduled for next week.

"Meal has told me he is aware of the problem and will come up with a solution. We hopefully will find out what this is during the meeting with the CPA," he said.