hi all iam a new class 1 driver and my company have give me a volvo FH 500 and there sending me straight into a tite ■■■ building site in london just because Iam the only one qualified to go into london. Ive recently been offered a new job but dont no what to do its better money and sounds an easier life just running in an out off killingholme all week. am stuck do a leave or stay■■?.
London is just another town, ok its busy but its nothing to be worried about, i certainly wouldnt change jobs just because of it
So what makes you the only one qualified for London ■■
nick2008:
So what makes you the only one qualified for London ■■
Could be that his vehicle is the only Euro 4 or later truck, or the only FORS compliant truck. Maybe he has some certificate that sites in London require. There definitely isn’t such a thing as a qualification to drive a truck into London.
Where abouts in London is this " tight ■■■ building site " ?
From my limited experience of driving in London is just go for it. If you are going to make an maneuver then just do it, no thinking, just mirrors, signal then go. On junctions, hog both lanes, take more room than you need and then some more.
Radar19:
From my limited experience of driving in London is just go for it. If you are going to make an maneuver then just do it, no thinking, just mirrors, signal then go. On junctions, hog both lanes, take more room than you need and then some more.
This !
And ignore the grief from the t0$$ers you’re holding up for a few seconds.
IndigoJo:
There definitely isn’t such a thing as a qualification to drive a truck into London.
There is, it’s the ‘SBO’ Qualification.
(Switch Brain Off)
Nobody will give a toss what you do… They will just make a noise if you inconvenience them…tough. If you give anyone an inch they will take it… Just go at your pace and be observant and take command of the situation… If it all goes ■■■■ up, sit back breath and let the mess clear itself up…
Just watch out for cyclists they have more rights of way than anyone else [emoji57]
dcgpx:
Just watch out for cyclists they have more rights of way than anyone else [emoji57]
yes and they get into any hole they can too so you have to have eyes behind your head and to the sides and under your feet too 
So Roberto, how did you get on ?
Wonder if he got lost ? 
Just take your time, he as much of the road as you need, indicate in good time and use your mirrors.
Ignore any horn honking, you’ll hold up people in any town/city centre.
Ramon123:
Wonder if he got lost ?
If he does, key is not to panic. Find a spot to pull and crack out Google Maps then use it to look for another way round.
Radar19:
Ramon123:
Wonder if he got lost ?If he does, key is not to panic. Find a spot to pull and crack out Google Maps then use it to look for another way round.
Not got google maps Chief.
London A-Z for me
Never go into the Smoke without it.
You’re right about not panicking though.
Bare with me on this!!!
I am a relatively new driver and I got sent into London last week, twice, first time, I had catford and wimbledon. No problems whatsoever, the truckers sat nav took me straight to the drops, happy days, gave a “phew” when I got out of london though, carnage!!
Couple of days later, another London job (tottenham). Due to success the previous occasion, I thought will be ok, sat nav will take me straight to the drop again!! But, just to be on the safe side I consulted the map for best way into tottenham, had my route planned, happy days!
Trundled down the M25 towards J25, couple of miles short of J26, Tacho starts flashing, bugger, need a 30 min break!! Come off at 26, no layby’s!! Big Do’s Little do’s got my break in (2 Mins late) and continued to tottenham, albeit via a different way.
Got to the road I needed (According to Postcode) and c**p!! ■■■■ width restriction, continued on main road (no roundabouts to turn round!!) Sat nav didn’t pick up another route in, got on the phone to a collegaue and he “talked me in” however, miss communication and I turned too soon, straight down a tight residential road, got to crossroads, turned right and reversed ready to swing it right back the way I came, attempted the right turn, got stuck, not enough room due to all the street furniture!!
Ended up having to unbolt one of the thin hi vis plastic direction boards off the springy rubber mount in centre of road to get round the corner back the way I came, (after about 3 attempts to get round without pulling up street furniture)!!
Anyway managed to get to the drop and subsequently back out of London!!
Needless to say I have now purchased a London A-Z and will definately be planning my route prior to ever entering London again!!! First time I was fortunate but the 2nd time, was a classic example of how it can all go horribly wrong in this game and will not be making the same errors again!! Anything to make your job easier is well worth doing!!
Suppose the main points on this are:-
- Do NOT rely on Sat Navs whatsoever!!
- If a possibility of going into London, BUY an A-Z of London.
- If possible get in touch with the customer and confirm where they are located!! As the postcodes the office give you may just be a general area rather than an exact pin point of the location!
Trundled down the M25 towards J25, couple of miles short of J26, Tacho starts flashing, bugger, need a 30 min break!! Come off at 26, no layby’s!! Big Do’s Little do’s got my break in (2 Mins late) and continued to tottenham, albeit via a different way
There is a Truckstop at J26.
Just so you know for next time.
nobodysdriving:
dcgpx:
Just watch out for cyclists they have more rights of way than anyone else [emoji57]yes and they get into any hole they can too so you have to have eyes behind your head and to the sides and under your feet too
- 1
Cyclists will just appear from nowhere, cut you up! Get in your blind spots!!! And think they own the road & treat it way too!!
fodentanker:
There is a Truckstop at J26.
Just so you know for next time.
Is that signposted at all? I don’t recall seeing any signs for it! But there again I was paying more attention at which way looked most likely for a layby!! Wish I had known that, as I would maybe have just made it bfore going over my driving period!! Thanks very much for the info, that is actually very useful to me!! I usually stop at South mimms but on this occasion I was northerly and got caught out as didnt manage to get 30 in at previous drop!! Usually check but was rushing!!