Posted By Andrew J. Boyle Hi All, We have a FLT, that I think needs replacing new to poor tyres. The FLT is used on the road, can anyone tell me whether the legal tyre tread limits for other vehicles apply to FLT's on the road?? I would like to replace the FLT for various other issues, but the tyres are a main issue. Thanks for any help. ps Its a 3T 4wheel truck

Posted By CFT Andrew Private road, or adopted? CFT

Posted By andrew pickup Hi Andrew, Do you by any chance have regular inspections in line with LOLER completed on your forklift truck? I have found that issues such as tyre depth are identified as observations within these inspections once they are coming to their minimum operating depth. Regards Andy

Posted By Paul Darby I have run a number of FLT's on public roads, as we had pubilc areas that disected our sites, so we had no choice. It is not correct that the trucks need to comply with the legal tread depth. Some FLT's are actually purchased new with slick tyres, and these can be used legally on a public road. Also there is no equivalent of the FLT MoT. The main consideration is whether the truck will travel more than 1000 yards on the public highway. If, on the task to be performed, (which generally means each individual single jouney or task) the fork lift truck will travel more than 1000 yards then it must comply with Construction and Use Regulations or have type approval. This involves a significant amount of legal requirements and modifications to the fork lift truck and should not be undertaken wothout qualified, compentant assistance. Compliance may be quite complex. If, on the task being performed, the Fork Lift Truck will travel less than 1000 yards on public roads, between sites or for unloading vehicles, then there is a special dispensation. In most circumstances it can be driven with little modification but it must be insured and registered. Compliance is quite simple. This will apply to most trucks. Additional Requirements when traveling unladen: Forks should be removed, folded back or fitted with marker plates Similar action should be taken with any attachments, such as poles or fork extensions. Marker plates, if used, must be suitably illuminated between sunset and sunrise Additional Requirements when traveling laden: No part of the load shall project more than 2 metres Loads must be arranged to provide clear forward vision If a truck is to be used on a public highway then it must have been registered with the DVLA and the appropriate road tax paid. It is registered with the DVLA as a works truck, so you will need certificate of third party insurance, license fee, registration fee and evidence of the age of the truck. You will not need an MoT or type approval for less than 1000 yard journeys. The DVLA will then issue a registration plate which must be dispayed (I assume so that it can be picked up on speed cameras!!!) There are also specific vehicle lighting requirements if the truck is to be used between lighting up times on the roads. There are also some specifics relating to the age of drivers, but if they are over 21 there is generally no issue. as long as they have a catagory B driving license and a valid FLT certificate. Also, make sure that there are road signs indicating to the public that FLT's are in use. There was an accident a few years ago where a member of the public was decapitated in his car by a FLT, and when prosecuting the judge seemed to put a lot of emphasis on warning the public that trucks are in use with signage. Although I am not so sure that most drivers take any notice of warning signs. Hope that helps.