Construction Plant-hire Association

02/11/2026

The Construction Plant-hire Association & member representatives recently attended a roadside enforcement day on the M4 corridor nr Cardiff, that targeted abnormal load transports.

The key learnings for CPA members are:

Education before enforcement
The primary focus was safety, education & engagement. The approach was constructive, with operators given the opportunity to understand & address notification issues where possible.

Driver attitude matters
The attitude & cooperation of a driver can have a significant bearing on how regulatory enforcement officers deal with discrepancies. Every driver engaged with was courteous & receptive. Drivers left with a better understanding of the requirements & learning points.

Notification accuracy matters
A number of vehicles were identified with notification discrepancies. Most were permitted to continue once the necessary amendments had been explained & understood.

Route compliance is critical
One movement was prohibited from proceeding because it was under-notified and its used route involved crossing a weakened structure outside the notified route. Route accuracy & adherence are essential safety considerations.

Mobile crane STGO plating
Members should check that mobile cranes are correctly fitted with an STGO Part 2 vehicle plate, affixed to the machine body. A manufacturer's plate alone may not establish the permitted UK STGO axle weight allowances for road travel. Ensure the appropriate STGO plating is in place & that the crane's configuration/axle weights are compliant.

Know your notification requirements
Operators & drivers should understand the relevant notification requirements before commencing a movement. Do not assume that previous acceptance of a notification guarantees the details are correct.

Engagement creates better understanding
Engagement between drivers, enforcement officers & industry representatives provides an opportunity to clarify requirements, challenge misunderstandings constructively & improve knowledge on all sides.

Industry collaboration has real value
CPA was joined by representatives from the Heavy Transport Association & Road Haulage Association (RHA). Having cross industry representatives attend as observers, provided valuable insight into roadside enforcement practices & the challenges faced by operators. These opportunities help build relationships & ensure industry has a voice in discussions with enforcement agencies.

Overall takeaway:

Good preparation, accurate notifications, route compliance, appropriate vehicle plating & professional driver conduct all contribute to safer abnormal load movements. Enforcement days should not be seen as compliance exercises, but as valuable opportunities for education & collaboration between industry & enforcement agencies.

Thank you to Gwent Police for facilitating the opportunity and to the HTA & RHA for their participation.

Please contact CPA Policy Director Chris Cassley ([email protected]) if you have any queries.

29/10/2026

Just One Week to Go Until the CPA Gala Dinner 2026 🖤

We’re so looking forward to welcoming more than 300 guests to the magnificent St George's Hall, Liverpool on Thursday 5 November as we celebrate 85 years of the Construction Plant-hire Association.

Join us for an unforgettable evening featuring England Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson, comedian Mick Miller and MC Peter Haddock Content With Media.

Final chance to book your place!

Book now: https://cpa.uk.net/cpa-gala-dinner-2026/ or contact Lisa Collins
on 07968 840390 or [email protected]

A huge thank you to our sponsors for their support:

Headline Sponsor: Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)/ Group

Media Partner: Plant Planet

Gold Sponsors: Compass Business Finance Ltd, JCB Insurance Services Ltd, RSP UK, Safety Shield Global, SmartEquip, Merlo UK & Ireland and UK Plant Expo 2027.

We look forward to seeing you there!

29/10/2026

Yesterday Construction Plant-hire Association Chief Executive Officer Steve Mulholland joined Ian Collins on TalkTVUK to give his reaction to the Chancellor's first Budget.

Unfortunately, the Budget offered little for construction.

A fuel duty freeze holds costs where they are, but it doesn't bring them down. Ireland cut duty on diesel earlier this year, and we would like to see a targeted reduction in fuel duty for construction plant and heavy goods vehicles here too.

Support for first-time buyers is only part of the picture. People need to be in secure work and earning before they can take that step.

The inheritance tax changes for family businesses remain in place, even though these firms' value is tied up in the diggers, cranes and excavators on Britain's building sites. The government also expects its infrastructure plans to need more than 650,000 workers, yet the National Insurance rise on employers stays, and little has been done to reduce the cost and risk of employing people.

Housebuilding output was 11.5 per cent lower in August than a year earlier. We support the Prime Minister's target of 1.5 million homes, but it won't be met while hiring and investing keep getting more expensive. Without action on these costs, growth has been pushed further down the road.

The CPA will continue to make the case for the support our sector needs, and we stand ready to work with the government to get Britain building.

Catch the discussion below👇

28/10/2026

A productive and beneficial few days for Construction Plant-hire Association President Brian Jones and CPA CEO Steve Mulholland at the CECE Congress 2026 in London.

The event has provided a valuable opportunity to catch up with many familiar faces, and network with colleagues from across the European construction equipment sector.

Open discussion and shared experience is exploring how innovation, people and organisations are adapting to change and creating new opportunities for the future.

With many thanks to the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), CECE - Committee for European Construction Equipment and all involved in hosting the event 🙏

28/10/2026

New Guidance on Cantilevered Crane Loading Platforms

With the construction of high-rise buildings comes the need for transporting goods and materials to and from the levels where they are needed, with cantilevered crane-loaded platforms offering one particular solution.

Although such platforms have become commonplace on major construction projects, industry guidance has generally been limited to that provided by a manufacturer/supplier. Use of the equipment requires specialist knowledge that can only be obtained from experienced operatives and approved training.

To assist with increasing an understanding of the safe use of cantilevered loading platforms, the Construction Plant-hire Association's Crane Interest Group (CIG) and the Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG) have supported, badged and published an industry document, written by CPA members
Conquip Engineering Group.

The publication includes guidance, advice and recommendations for the use of temporary cantilevered crane-loaded platforms and is intended to be used by individuals planning the use and management of the equipment on site.

📥 Download your free copy 👉 https://cpa.uk.net/cpa-publications/

28/10/2026

NRMM Stakeholders’ Joint Call for Action: London NRMM Policy

Four major industry bodies have jointly submitted a letter to the Greater London Authority (GLA) calling for a rethink of the future direction of London’s NRMM Emission Zone.

Together, the Construction Plant-hire Association, CEA (Construction Equipment Association), AMPS (Association of Manufacturers and suppliers of Power generating Systems) and the Environmental Industries Association (EIA) represent more than 2,300 businesses across the construction equipment supply chain.

We are collectively calling for:

• Better engagement with industry
• More effective enforcement, focused on real-world compliance
• Less administrative burden
• Clearer exemption policy
• Focus policy on areas where environmental improvements are most cost-effective
• Recognition of a broader range of technologies and fuels

London has been a leader in reducing emissions from construction machinery. We want it to remain one, but the next phase needs to be based on what can practically scale, not simply what looks ambitious on paper.

Ambition is important, but it has to be deliverable.

Read the full letter on the CPA website:
https://cpa.uk.net/nrmm-stakeholders-joint-call-for-action-london-nrmm-policy/

23/10/2026

Employment Rights Act: Forthcoming Changes

The Government has updated its guidance on the implementation of the Employment Rights Act, outlining forthcoming changes that employers need to be aware of.

Key areas include:

🔹 Unfair dismissal

🔹 Trade union reforms

🔹 Employment Tribunal time limits

🔹 Harassment protections

Further details and links can be found on the CPA website👉

22/10/2026

🚨 JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO - FINAL CALL FOR TICKETS FOR THE CPA GALA DINNER 2026 🚨

Join us at the magnificent St George's Hall Liverpool on Thursday 5 November as we celebrate 85 years of the Construction Plant-hire Association.

With entertainment from England Rugby World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson, comedian Mick Miller and MC Peter Haddock Content With Media, it promises to be an evening to remember.

🎟️ A very limited number of tickets and tables are still available, but time is running out!

Book now: https://cpa.uk.net/cpa-gala-dinner-2026/

Or contact Lisa Collins on 07968 840390 or [email protected]

Thank you to our Headline Sponsor Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS)/ Group, Media Partner Plant Planet and Gold Sponsors Compass Business Finance Ltd, JCB Insurance Services Ltd, RSP UK, Safety Shield Global, SmartEquip, Merlo UK & Ireland and UK Plant Expo 2027.

Don’t miss out - book your place today!

21/10/2026

CPA Member Briefing - West Midlands Police - Schedule 5 Load Descriptions

The Construction Plant-hire Association - together with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Heavy Transport Association (HTA) - has been engaged in constructive discussions with West Midlands Police regarding the information required within Schedule 5 notifications under the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Types) (General) Order 2003 (STGO).

Read the full story on the CPA website 👇

https://cpa.uk.net/member-briefing/

The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) together with the Road Haulage Association (RHA) and Heavy Transport Association (HTA), has been engaged in constructive discussions with West Midlands Police (WMP) regarding the information required within Schedule 5 notifications under the Road Vehicle...

16/10/2026

🤝 CPA Welcomes GB Lubricants as a Platinum Corporate Member!

We’re delighted to welcome GB Lubricants to our Platinum Corporate Package.

🎁 Exclusive offer for Construction Plant-hire Association members: GB Lubricants is offering a FREE Fleet Survey Report to health-check your entire fleet of off-highway equipment, regardless of age, brand or model.

👉 Find out more via the Members Benefits page on the CPA website.
https://cpa.uk.net/exclusive-membership-benefits/

With more than 145 years of experience manufacturing oils and lubricants, GB Lubricants combines technical expertise and product innovation with a strong commitment to sustainability.

Since its establishment in 1877, the company has built a reputation for reliability, excellent customer support, technical expertise and exceptional product quality. Today, this heritage is supported by continuous investment in innovation, research, and modern production methods.

📞 0191 490 4312
📧 [email protected]