TUNBRIDGE WELLS: Commercial vehicle sideguards will, from next month, be subject to stricter compliance checks during annual testing, said the Freight Transport association.

A new compliance guide by the FTA will help merchants prepare for the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency's amended requirements.

The FTA Sideguards compliance guide gives full details of the existing legislation regarding vehicle sideguards and the changes to the annual test requirements that will be implemented from 1 May, plus details of general sideguard construction requirements.

Andy Mair, the FTA's head of engineering policy, said: "We now have a sensible, workable set of requirements which will enable every operator to comply, regardless of their vehicle's configuration, whilst keeping safety considerations paramount."