Build UK Daily Update
The Scottish Government has confirmed that the construction industry can move to Phase 3 of the Construction Reâ€Start Plan, known as ‘steady state operation’, from next Monday 22 June. As in phase 2, work can only be carried out where physical distancing can be maintained, and it is anticipated that 30% †40% of the original workforce will be able to be accommodated on site during phase 3. The Scottish Government has also confirmed that face coverings will be mandatory on public transport in Scotland from Monday and house moves can recommence from 29 June.
Transport for London (TfL) has written to its supply chain to encourage construction workers to free up limited space on public transport by walking or cycling to site unless unable to do so. Companies are being asked to help by providing facilities on site, including lockers, showers and cycle storage. For those construction workers who must use public transport, TfL is requesting that they avoid peak times (05:45 †08:15 and 16:00 †17:30) and busy interchanges, and consider whether they could start or end their journey using quieter stations.
TfL has highlighted its work with Build UK, which resulted in Thames Clippers resuming services on a temporary timetable. Thames Clippers are also now introducing a ‘Park and Glide’ service, which will allow commuters to park their cars at The O2 and then take a clipper into London.
The Mayor of London has confirmed that construction vehicles will have a six-month exemption from implementing the next stages (Stages IIIB and IV) of the Nonâ€Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) Low Emission Zone when it comes into effect on 1 September 2020. This means that all construction machinery will now have until 1 March 2021 to meet the requirements.