Road freight greenhouse gases on decrease

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

Although rising concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to pollute the atmosphere, it may be pleasing to know that in the road freight transport sector, greenhouse gases are in fact on the decrease.

According to the UN’s weather agency national levels of CO2 rose to a record high in 2010 (latest data available). However the latest data available from the Department for Transport website state that the road freight transport industry has shown a 16% fall in greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2009.

Road freight emissions contribute to only 1.9% of total emissions of all industries. The fact that the levels in greenhouse gas emissions from road freight transportation continues to fall year after year shows that a real emphasis to make an impact has been sounded and echoed throughout the industry as the need to stem human-induced climate change becomes more and more important to every company within the sector.

The majority of the plaudits can go to the companies themselves as they continue to tackle their own carbon footprints. Initiatives introduced over the past few years have begun to show positive signs of change. Internal initiatives managed by the freight forwarders involve:

To ensure the continued decrease in greenhouse gas emission, the transport companies need help from other sources. Schemes from the European Transport Conference (ETC) are constantly pushing proposals to increase awareness and promote eco-friendly haulage. An excerpt from their latest abstract goes into detail about the monetary benefits of eco-friendly options to encourage companies within the industry to reduce their carbon footprints: “A closer look (at the proposals in the scheme) reveals that a reduction of one billion kilograms (approx. 10%) in Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV >3,5t GVW) emissions can be achieved by 2020, with a cost effectiveness of €100 to €200 per ton. At the same level of cost effectiveness, a reduction of one billion kilograms (approx. 20%) in Light Goods Vehicles (LGV

A result of collaborative schemes between company and organisation have helped to decrease carbon emissions by 24% over the last 10 years. In 1999, road freight vehicles produced 15,800 tonnes of CO2 equivalent however in 2009 (latest data available), road freight vehicles produced only 12,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. This goes to show the significance that these industry voices can have on the environment if they choose to flex their muscles.

The authority figure of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) are making the loudest noises in the industry and are really rallying for change. They are thinking outside the box and are not only looking nationally but internationally. They are looking to gain formal recognition from the Government and are looking to engage with road freight transport companies rather than issuing mandatory changes which may be frowned upon by the members of the industry.

By gaining trust this way, they are ensuring a positive collaborative effort which will not only be in the interests of the freight companies but will be in the interests of the consumer, in the interests of the Government and in the interest of mankind by minimising the impact that the road freight transport industry has towards greenhouse emissions.

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Learner drivers could be ‘risk on motorways’ this year

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

There are fears more accidents will happen on Britain’s motorways when learners are allowed to drive on them later this year.

At the moment it is illegal to get behind the wheel on motorways in the UK until after passing the driving test.

Roads minister Mike Penning says he plans to change that by the summer.

He says many new drivers are terrified of motorway driving because they do not have the skills or confidence needed.

The extra training should also bring down the cost of insurance premiums for new drivers, according to the minister.

He told Newsbeat: “If we can show insurers someone has got skills of their own accord, I would expect them to drop their premiums proportionately and that is what I will be telling them.”

‘Nerve-wracking’

Jenny Hacking is 21 and is learning to drive in Leeds.

She said she would get home quicker from college on the motorway but is dreading it.

Jenny Hacking says she is “dreading” using the motorway for the first time

“It’s nerve-wracking,” she admitted. “I’m apprehensive about all the drivers going fast and thinking, ‘Shall I switch lanes now or should I stay where I am?’ They could get really impatient.”

Statistically motorways are the safest roads and that is partly why driving instructors are supportive of the change.

The Driving Instructors Association (DIA) says new drivers should be encouraged to use these bigger roads more.

However, some drivers are concerned that learners on the motorway will cause more accidents, stressful situations and delays.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says no-one should be allowed to drive on them until after they have passed their test.

Some lorry drivers think even then they should stay off the motorway until they have had more experience behind the wheel.

Quieter roads

Steve Bowles runs a transport company just off the M25, close to London’s Heathrow Airport.

He said: “If it was a free for all at any time of day then no way. I don’t want to see people hurt.

“If it was, say, only at weekends, in good weather, when the roads are quieter, then there could perhaps be a place for it.”

Mike Penning says there will be no conditions like that imposed.

He says he will be able to bring the change in using powers he has, known as delegated legislation.

Responding to the safety warnings, he described them as “the biggest load of rubbish he had ever heard” and says there is no evidence for not doing it.

There are no plans to make learning to drive on motorways compulsory, as some people who live in rural areas would have a long way to travel for the training.

You would have to be with a qualified instructor in a dual controlled car.

The change would apply across England, Wales and Scotland.

The Northern Ireland Assembly says it is considering it too and will announce a decision soon.

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Heavy truck market strong in January registrations

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

This article originally appeared on Roadtransport.com. Read the full article here:http://www.commercialmotor.com/latest-news/heavy-truck-market-strong-in-january-registrations 

Last year’s strong growth in the UK truck market has continued into 2012, with January registrations of new trucks six tonnes GVW and over up by 49% on the same month last year.

But the data, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), shows that the commercial vehicle market is patchy. Registrations of new vans, from car-derived models to 3.5 tonners, have faltered, down by 16%, following news that the economy had shrunk in the final quarter of last year and likely to slow again in the first quarter of 2012.

Most of the growth in the truck market is coming from rigid chassis, which lagged behind the booming tractor unit sector last year. They finally are showing signs of a strong upturn, with registration of rigid chassis with gross weights of over 6 tonnes up by 110% in January. In contrast, the surge in the tractor units seems to be slowing, with registrations up by just 6%.

“The commercial vehicle market got off to a mixed start in January,” comments SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt. “Over the course of 2012 SMMT expects the CV market to be steady, ending the year marginally up on 2011. Government support for business will be key to maintaining market stability. If confidence can be maintained through the year, we should see growth in 2013.”

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