Backing in UK for crane MoT tests

A campaign calling for cranes to have regular MoT tests for roadworthiness before travelling on public roads has been brought to the attention of Parliament.

The call for the changes follows the deaths of a mother and her two young daughters after their car skidded on a patch of oil and hit a vehicle on the A92 in Scotland in 2008. Investigations found that the oil had come from a leaking mobile crane.

Sir Robert Smith, Liberal Democrat member of parliament for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, took the campaign to Westminster in December. A total of 56 MPs have so far backed the campaign.

If the motion is approved by the Department for Transport, new legislation will mean that cranes will require an MoT test certificate. The idea is being also discussed at the European Parliament.

More information is due to follow.