The UK transport industry has seen earnings on its investments in the EU rocket by more than 400% since the Brexit vote, the latest Office of National Statistics has revealed. UK transport trade earnings from investments in the EU rose from £177 million in 2015 to £1billion three years later – up 476% compared with before the vote. Firms involved in transportation had £3.6 billion invested in … [Read more...]
After the fuel fright, freight calls for future to be fingerposted
The Road Haulage Association has set out its general approach to decarbonising the freight and logistics sector, calling on the Government to develop a 'freight roadmap' towards net zero and develop consistent, supportive policies to "give our members confidence to plan for a green future". Meanwhile, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers has published a separate report which focuses on the … [Read more...]
Mounting concern over Government “green plan”
The Government’s plan to bring forward the ban of petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles is ambitious, but does not have a basis on which to achieve it, said Brian Madderson, Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association. Today, plans have been unveiled to move the date when non-electric cars are banned from 2040 to 2035, with a possibility of the date being brought forward further. The PRA believes … [Read more...]
Importance of freight getting attention
After many years of lobbying and Government engagement, the freight sector is finally being recognised for its importance to local and national economies. The sector sits at the core of the UK economy, supporting over 2.5 million jobs and contributing £124 billion to the economy. It is estimated that the weight of goods transported by freight is expected to increase by 50% over the coming … [Read more...]
“Totally inadequate” M4 plans criticised
Proposals to ease jams on the M4 around Newport have been extensively criticised by lorry and logistics companies. Following South East Wales Transport Commission’s recommendations to introduce several congestion relieving measures on the M4, announced before Christmas, FTA’s Head of Welsh Policy, Sally Gilson said it they were “totally inadequate” “The initial recommendations made by the … [Read more...]
New EU fuel rules need recalculating, say coachbuilders
New WLTP rules for vans could potentially disincentivise fleets from adopting fuel-saving designs, says Arval UK. The WLTP data being used for converted and bodied chassis only take into account the frontal dimensions of the vehicle and do not include any streamlining measures fitted by body builders such as aerodynamic collars and bulkheads. The issue is likely to affect Luton and box bodies … [Read more...]
Fuel research saves 1,400tonnes in tests
Britain’s first research project to assess the viability of biomethane in heavy goods vehicles has saved over 1,400 tonnes of well-to-wheel CO2e emissions compared to diesel in a two-year trial. The Dedicated to Gas project deployed 20 Euro VI vehicles running on biomethane to the three fleet operators, in a combination of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG). It was … [Read more...]
Newslines 4 November
According to a new study, it could be at least 10 years before autonomous vehicles and the sharing of them will become part and parcel of society. This, combined with a perceived lack of prestige in not owning a vehicle, suggests that the majority of today’s motorists aren’t yet ready for mobility concepts of the future and the study Being Driven: A study on human adoption of autonomous … [Read more...]
Welsh family business honoured for logistics
Two Welsh titans of logistics received the industry’s ultimate accolade and Lifetime Achievement Award when Tommy Williams and his son, John Williams, were honoured at FTA’s Logistics Awards 2019. The award recognises a lifelong commitment to the freight and logistics industry and was awarded jointly to Tommy and John in recognition of the transformative work which both … [Read more...]
Admin is not up to rubber stamping a no-deal Brexit, say FTA
Britain’s Brexit plans dont have the administration staff to back them up says the Freight Transport Association. In response to the report issued by the National Audit Office (NAO) on border preparedness for a No Deal Brexit, Pauline Bastidon, FTA’s Head of European and Global Policy, said, “The NAO report highlights the scale of the challenge for industry. "It echoes’ FTA’s messages to … [Read more...]