The along awaited Audi e-tron electric models will go into showrooms in April. There will be two versions from £71,490 after the ev plug in allowance and it will be a their version of the VW Golf sized I D Neo hatchback. The next generation Vauxhall Corsa range will include a plug-in battery-electric model. It will also have the intelligent LED headlights first seen on Insignia and … [Read more...]
MoT test widens to more vehicles from 20 May
More agricultural, delivery, recovery and construction vehicles are now liable to the annual safety test. The DVSA is introducing annual testing for some when their current tax is renewable but others must have a test done by 20 May 2019. Vehicles now needing a test certificate include: mobile cranes breakdown vehicles (not breakdown vans) tower wagons some mobile engineering … [Read more...]
Newslines 9 June
Opposition Conservatives in the Assembly have announced their ideas to get Welsh people on their bikes. As Bike Week begins, the Tories say if elected they would introduce a bike strategy within 100 days, double length of cycle routes by 2040 and create a communities cycle fund to enable local plans while also increasing the number of secure parking places. Senior executives in a number of … [Read more...]
Throttling back truck emissions
The European Commission has proposed for the first time binding EU emission standards for trucks. The proposal contains a reduction of CO2 emissions from trucks by 15% in 2025 against a 2019 baseline and at least 30% in 2030. The parameter recognises payload and mileage and is expressed as the number of grams CO2 per tonne kilometre (g/tkm). A fine of 50€ per g/tkm will be imposed on … [Read more...]
Earned recognition scheme gets FTA boost
The Freight Transport Association is launching a pioneering new service aimed at supporting operators who want to join the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's voluntary Earned Recognition Scheme. The Earned Recognition Data Hub will bring together both vehicle maintenance and driver data from multiple sources and has been designed to be a low-cost, not-for-profit solution to help the … [Read more...]
Newslines 17 April
A police HGV has been brought in to catch drivers in Wales on mobile phones, dangerous driving or not wearing seatbelts. The de-restricted tractor unit gives a better view of drivers in cars, buses and commercial vehicles and has been used by English forces for three years. The severe wintery weather saw Welsh councils spend over £2.38 M on gritting and salting. Extra materials, equipment … [Read more...]
Tradelines 28 March
Government plans for rail freight are unclear, says the Freight Transport Association. Proposals in the Rail Network Enhancements Pipeline but don’t contain targets for moving heavy goods on lines which are facing tough challenges compared to expanding use of HGVs. Leading garage equipment distributor and official UK agent of ATLAS automotive repair, Tyre Bay Direct, is pioneering a new … [Read more...]
Wales’ bus lanes could share with HGVs
A plan to let HGVs use bus lanes has been suggested by the Traffic Commissioner for Wales, Nick Jones. He has put the proposal in his annual report to Welsh Government and said the road transport industry is “essential for the ecnomy and provision of services.” The move would improve traffic flow in some locations but has been criticised by Sustrans who fear it will be … [Read more...]
Bio-diesel & dual fuel lorries on trial across UK
The Centre of Excellence for low carbon technologies says logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel Ltd will trial the effectiveness of low-emissions heavy-goods vehicles as part of large fleets with demanding-duty cycles. The project managed by Cenex is part funded by Innovate UK’s Low-Emission Freight and Logistics Project. The operation will measure the effectiveness of dedicated petrol and … [Read more...]
Lorry owners tampering with emissions
Lorry companies are illegally tampering with emissions systems to improve fuel economy and cut costs, says the SMMT. The issue has been highlighted by SMMT commercial vehicle manager Nigel Base who said in a note, “Over the years, commercial vehicle manufacturers have invested heavily in developing and producing the latest low emission vehicles. “Unfortunately, some drivers and operators, … [Read more...]
