Recruitment issues and the need for self-isolation are causing staffing issues across the remarketing sector, reports the Vehicle Remarketing Association. Chair Philip Nothard said that VRA members were experiencing issues finding staff to fill all kinds of long-term positions, and that the problem was being exacerbated by the ongoing short-term demands of self-isolation. “Obviously, we … [Read more...]
Government is threatening road safety – claim
Business group Logistics UK is dismayed by the announcement of the continued relaxation of drivers’ hours legislation until 8 August 2021. It governs the length of time which HGV drivers are legally expected to work and James Firth, the organisation’s Head of Road Freight Regulation Policy, explains the announcement will heap more pressure on drivers who are already stretched to the limit to … [Read more...]
Newslines 6 July
The Scorpion brand returns to make the hearts of the Abarth fans beat even faster with the new 180HP 1.4 T-Jet 695 Esseesse limited edition, but its British sale date and prices have not been given. Produced in a limited edition of just 1,390 models, split equally by 695 in Scorpion black and 695 in Campovolo grey, distinctive exterior and interior, the Abarth 695 Esseesse is the … [Read more...]
Bid to ease driver shortage for HGVs
With more than 45,000 HGV driver tests outstanding at DVSA as a result of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Logistics UK is pressing government to introduce a seasonal visa for European HGV drivers to protect the nation’s supply chain while the organisation catches up with this backlog. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, understandably, all driving tests were suspended,” explains David Wells, the business … [Read more...]
Trucker Jenko reveals life on the road
A Welsh lorry driver has a big cargo - over 1.8 million YouTube followers. Now his Ferryman’s awesome Mercedes-Benz Actros Edition 1 flagship is guaranteed the exposure it deserves – as ‘Trucker Jenko’ driver Martyn Jenkins can’t stop talking about his exclusive new tractor unit. Family-owned and run, Ferryman is based in Pontllanfaith, Blackwood, Gwent, and offers a … [Read more...]
Vehicle numbers fall in UK – but vans increase
Vehicle numbers on UK roads fell to 40,350,714 in 2020, according to Motorparc figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the first time the total number has fallen since the global financial crisis of 2009. As the pandemic stifled new vehicle uptake, the average age of cars on UK roads is now the highest on record at 8.4 years. Van uptake, however, has grown to the highest … [Read more...]
Welsh business will drive future heavy EVs
A Welsh automotive components company has won support for a £31.9 million project to develop lightweight electric powertrains for heavy goods vehicles in the latest round of R&D funding guided by the Advanced Propulsion Centre. The Electric Powertrain Integration for Heavy Commercial Vehicles project will see Cwmbran-based company – Meritor – develop zero-emission ‘smart’ powertrains for … [Read more...]
Lorry driver fines unfair, say operators
Government plans to fine lorry drivers who do not have negative COVID-19 tests before travelling to Kent have been criticised by the haulage industry. Elizabeth de Jong, Policy Director at Logistics UK said the Government had to make more testing centres available to meet UK demand from drivers and treat them as a priority. “Logistics UK remains extremely concerned that today’s decision to … [Read more...]
Driving in Europe post-Brexit
Britain's departure from the EU has prompted a flurry of information and advice from the Department for Transport, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the DVLA on rule changes affecting Britons driving in Europe from this month, writes Dave Moss. Here we round up some important changes affecting British drivers and vehicles intending to use European roads in coming months, with links to … [Read more...]
Truck technology accelerates with ev powertrains
The data connectivity provided by electric trucks will mean a bigger revolution for fleet management than the vehicles themselves, r2c Online is forecasting. The commercial vehicle compliance and maintenance software specialist said that the ability to gather information in real time would provide massive operational advantages. Tim Meadows, managing director at r2c Online, said: “Electric … [Read more...]