Tunnels & security awareness

Some dangerous goods are restricted in road tunnels because a fire or explosion would be far worse in an enclosed space. Each load has a tunnel restriction code, a letter from B to E (or no code, meaning no tunnel restriction). Tunnels are signed with the same letter category. The rule is simple: if your goods' code is the same letter or 'further down the alphabet' than the tunnel's category, you may not use that tunnel. Category E is the most restrictive tunnel; code 'E' goods are barred from the most tunnels.

Tunnel codes run B (least restrictive) to E (most restrictive); some goods have no code.

Dangerous goods can be a target for misuse, so everyone in the chain has security duties. Be alert: keep loads supervised or secure, watch for anything suspicious, verify who you are handing goods to, and don't leave the vehicle and keys unattended. High consequence dangerous goods have stricter rules and a written security plan. If something doesn't feel right — an unusual request, someone watching the depot — report it.

All carriage needs general security awareness (ADR 1.10.1).

A practical way to handle a tunnel: (1) Read the tunnel code on YOUR transport document (it's already worked out by the consignor from Table A column 15) — for example UN1203 petrol is '(D/E)'. (2) Look at the tunnel ahead — its category is on the road sign (a letter or 'A'). (3) Rule of thumb: if your code's letter is the SAME OR LATER in the alphabet than the tunnel's category, you may NOT use the tunnel. Worked example: petrol's tunnel code is D/E so it is BARRED from tunnels of category D and E, but allowed in B and C. (4) If unsure, treat as barred and find a route around. Some tunnel signs show conditional access by time/escort — read them carefully.

Find the tunnel code on the transport document (Table A column 15).

Some dangerous goods are 'High Consequence' (HCDG) because mass misuse could be catastrophic — large quantities of explosives, toxic gases, certain Class 7 radioactives, and so on. If your firm carries HCDG, ADR adds extra obligations: a documented security plan, security training tailored to HCDG, identity checks, vehicle and route security measures, and you may see things like tracking devices, escort arrangements or restricted parking lists. As a driver you must: know if today's load is HCDG, follow the firm's security procedures, and report anything off (unusual approach, surveillance, untrustworthy collection points).

HCDG = goods with high consequence on mass misuse (1.10.3.1.2 list).

Day-to-day driver security boils down to a short list. Lock the cab and take the keys whenever you step away — even for the toilet. Don't talk about your load on social media or in cafés. Note the registration of any vehicle that seems to be following you and report it. Verify identity before handing the load to anyone (customer name + signed delivery note). Keep a paper or digital log of stops, route changes and people met. If you change route because of road works, tell the office. Many security incidents are stopped not by gadgets but by a switched-on driver.

Lock cab, take keys every time you leave the vehicle — even briefly.