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call us on: 01276 537 400
Thursday, May 17th, 2012
An animation starring TyreSafe’s family of crash test dummies is spearheading the organisation’s drive to inform motorists about the new tyre labelling regulations coming into force in November.
Along with the short film featuring the McIntyres, available to watch at www.tyresafe.org, the not-for-profit organisation has also produced a leaflet for drivers to explain what the new tyre labels will mean.
There’s also a brand new, dedicated tyre labelling section on its website, while for the trade there will be a range of POS leaflets and posters available to order.
To view and download TyreSafe’s tyre labelling educational material visit www.tyresafe.org
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Wednesday, May 16th, 2012
Concerned residents Caroline Russell, John Ackers and Paul Standeven
A NEW lorry-ban scheme in the shadow of the Emirates Stadium was this week branded “dangerous” for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists who are “totally confused”.
The scheme, at Drayton Park, which has new width restrictions, is meant to ban all but essential lorries, but has no signage and has already been the scene of several near misses involving cars since it was completed last week.
It is also directly opposite the offices of Islington Disabilities Partnership, where social workers spoke about their fears for people with learning difficulties trying to cross the road.
Furthermore, there is no dedicated cycle lane, which means cyclists have to compete to use the narrow routes with motorists.
The scheme, opposite Drayton Park station and close to a primary school, divides traffic into two narrow lanes in both directions on either side of the road, with a central lane for utility and emergency vehicles only.
There are two pedestrian islands.
However, there are arrows but currently no signs indicating whether motorists should use the outside lane or drive through the centre of the scheme. As a result they do both. Residents say it’s a “free for all”.
Islington Council did not responded to a request for a comment, but it is believed that new signs will be put up at the spot and there will be CCTV cameras to stop lorries taking a shortcut.
A social worker from the disabled people’s centre, who didn’t want to be named, said she was very worried about the lack of safety features for pedestrians.
“We have lodged complaints to the council,” she said.
“We have people with learning difficulties who need to cross the road. But they take their life in their hands.”
Caroline Russell, who chairs pressure group Islington Living Streets, said the aim of the scheme was to stop big lorries using Drayton Park as a short cut.
She said: “Even with the signs and promised CCTV cameras, I don’t think this scheme has been properly thought out.
“It’s extremely dangerous for everyone and should be redesigned.”
John Ackers, of Islington Cycling Action Group, said that despite early consultations the scheme provides no consideration for cycling.
“The original scheme contained cycle lanes which we supported. They obviously got rid of them and didn’t even bother to tell us.”
Another resident, Paul Standeven, said it appeared that the scheme had been designed by motorists for motorists.
“There doesn’t appear to have been the slightest thought for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.
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Tuesday, May 15th, 2012
A NEWLY qualified lorry driver has proven that the haulage business is not just a man’s game after passing her HGV test first time at just 22.
Lou Bowden from Ramsgate wowed family and friends after breezing through the exam after just five hours of tuition.
She says her choice of profession is partly inspired by her boyfriend Anthony Elson who made headlines last year after he aced the same exam at just 18.
She said: “I am feeling well pleased with myself. Learning to drive a lorry wasn’t bad as I thought it would be, you just have to be more careful. I found I got used to it quickly.”
The test, which Lou had to go to Essex for, had come in two parts, a “class two” test for rigid vehicles following by an advanced “class one” test for articulated lorries.
Lou said: “I put a bit of pressure on myself to pass first time. During the first test I was nervous but went it came to round to the second part it was worse – I was even more nervous”
Instructor John Dawson said: “It is a unique achievement.
The test is in two parts and we do have quite a few women taking the first part, mostly so they can drive a horse box.
“Very few, if any, go on to do their class one.
“Lou was so exceptional in her class two test that it only took a couple of day to prepare her for her class one.”
Lou was working in sales for an energy company when she was made redundant last year.
She said: “Anthony gave me the idea to go for the test and I thought, ‘if he can do it so can I’. I only really decided to do it before Christmas.
“Some people might think I am crazy for doing it but most people I know are proper chuffed for me and think it is really good.
My dad loves the idea and mum still can’t believe I am allowed to drive something so big.”
Crediting Anthony for helping her pass first time, she said: “I am not sure if I would have done so well if it wasn’t him teaching me about lorry driving and helping me prepare for the test. He has been very, very supportive.”
John said: “She is easily the best class one pass we have had so far this year among men and women. As a driver she will be a major asset for any company that hires her. If I could, I would take her on myself, but you have to be driving for three years before you teach.”
Lou is now aiming get her first job which could see her driving lorry not just in the UK but on the continent.
She said: “I can’t wait to get started.”
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Monday, May 14th, 2012
Employers and drivers each face a £1,000 fine if they are found to be driving without their Driver Qualification Card (DQC), the Driver Standards Agency has warned.
In association with the DSA, Vosa has begun handling out leaflets at enforcement checks clarifying the legal position around Driver CPC and the requirement to have a DQC with you at all times.
It clearly states that both the operator and driver face a fine if the driver can not produce his DQC when requested to do so by Vosa officials.
It means all new drivers must ensure they have their DQC on them at all times when working.
Drivers with grandfather rights (those driving before September 2009), which have until September 2014 to complete 35 hours of mandatory periodic training, will need to carry their cards after this deadline.
Karen Crispe, MD at Tachodisc, says: “Until now it has been unclear as to what penalties will surround Driver CPC after the 2014 enforcement deadline.
“The DSA announcement that both drivers and employers face fines of up to £1,000 each if a driver does not carry a DQC card whilst driving sends out a strong message – it enforces the seriousness of Driver CPC. With employers at risk too, the responsibility for completing 35 hours of training cannot just lie with the driver anymore.”
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Monday, May 14th, 2012
More than half of cyclists jump red lights, according to a survey by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM).
Some 57% of 1,600 cyclists surveyed by the IAM admitted to jumping red lights, while 38% claimed it was “safer” to do so, as it put them ahead of other traffic.
However 54% say that cyclists needed to improve their behaviour and stick to the Highway Code.
IAM chief executive Simon Best says: “The police need to enforce the law as strongly when cyclists put themselves and others at risk by jumping the lights, as they do for drivers.”
According to the Freight Transport Association there were 13 fatal collisions between LGVs and cyclists in London alone during 2011.
Its Cycling Code can be read here.
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2012
Palletforce has been recognised once again for its unparalleled approach to health and safety with a gold RoSPA award.
The UK’s leading palletised distribution network has been awarded the prestigious accolade from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents for the third consecutive year.
It became the first in the sector to achieve the gold award in 2010 and has continued to lead from the front ever since.
“With hundreds of vehicles and thousands of pallets of goods coming in and out of the world class hub every day it is a high risk environment,” said Ryan Birchnall, Health, Safety, Quality and Facilities Manager at Palletforce.
“Quality health and safety management systems are key to our operation and it is essential to get it right.”
In order to continue ‘getting it right’ Palletforce has invested resources into new technology, equipment and training, including establishing its own Fork Lift Truck Driving Academy with a strong focus on health and safety.
Palletforce will receive its gold award at the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2012 at a ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Thursday, May 17.
“To have been the first in our sector to receive this award and consistently maintained that level of achievement is fantastic,” said Palletforce Chief Executive Michael Conroy.
“The safety of our staff is absolutely paramount and we are constantly striving to ensure a safe working environment, while setting the standard for others to follow.
“This award is recognition for everyone at Palletforce who continues to work hard to make sure we remain the very best in the business.”
The RoSPA awards recognise commitment to accident and ill health prevention and looks at accident records, overarching health and safety management systems, including important practices such as strong leadership and workforce involvement.
“The RoSPA Awards programme provides well-deserved recognition for the winners and spurs on other organisations to raise their standards of accident and ill health prevention,” said David Rawlins, Awards Manager at RoSPA.
“We congratulate Palletforce on its success and encourage it, and all our other winners, to remain committed to safety and health, an approach that is well recognised to be good for workers and the bottom line.”
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Tuesday, May 1st, 2012
A man has appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and been remanded in custody after a siege in central London last Friday 27 April, which closed Tottenham Court Road for several hours.
Michael Green, 48, of Stevenage, Hertfordshire, has been charged by by the Metropolitan Police with the following offences:
No bail application was made by Green’s solicitor at the appearnce yesterday (30 April) and he will remain in custody until a plea and case-management hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court on 24 July.
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Friday, April 27th, 2012
DAF has already committed to next year’s CV Show, in spite of being absent this year, evidently due to commitments at the near-coincident RAI commercial vehicle show in Amsterdam last week.
“I can assure you we will be back next year, as well as [engaging in] some significant activity later this year at Hanover,” Ray Ashworth, managing director of DAF Trucks, told a press party.
In fact, DAF used the RAI exhibition to launch its Euro 6 truck engine.
“This is a clear demonstration that DAF has the technology ready for Euro 6 and indeed learnt a lot from its sister product – the EPA10 [Paccar] MX engine that is now sold in something like 25% of all Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks in the USA,” commented Ashworth.
“While that engine uses the technology platform and SCR [selective catalytic reduction] and EGR [exhaust gas recirculation], together with a closed type [diesel] particulate filter, our new Euro 6 engine is very much more sophisticated,” he continued.
“The integration of the after treatment system, using over 40 sensors, 14 control units and common rail fuel injection running at 2,500 bar, as well as variable geometry turbocharger technologies, makes this new MX13 Euro 6 engine a much more complex product development,” he explained.
Ashworth said the first of these new engines will appear in a DAF truck later this year. But he also stated that DAF’s Euro 6 development work doesn’t mean nothing’s happening with Euro 5.
“We will carry on building Euro 5 alongside Euro 6 in the coming years… Many parts of the world remain happy with Euro 3 or Euro 5 technology, including our new markets of Brazil, India and China where Paccar has invested heavily over recent years,” said Ashworth.
And these are clearly growth markets for DAF: “In 2011, DAF registered 5,200 vehicles outside the EU,” confirmed Ashworth. “For example, 1,500 in Russia and 1,000 CFs in Taiwan.”
He also agreed that, on the run up to Euro 6 engines becoming mandatory in 18 months’ time, DAF expects business for Euro 5-engned trucks in its home markets to peak back at pre-recession levels.
Quite simply, as operators will want to reap the benefit of their considerably lower cost, compared to Euro 6, particularly given the inadequacy of the government’s current RPC (reduced pollution certificate) policy – which makes purchasing Euro 5 a no-brainer against Euro 6.
“Our [drive] for 2012 will be on promoting the existing model range, with a focus on fuel economy. That means advanced transport efficiency (DAf’s Ate campaign) – upgraded engines and aerodynamic bodies,” said Ashworth.
“Our new ATe Euro 5 engine range with new pistons, software, oil control and other fuel saving devices, is showing typical improvements of 3—5%, compared with equivalent models of 12 months’ ago. Of course, that gives us a challenge for Euro 6 as well, because our target is to match this new improved fuel efficiency at Euro 6,” he added.
For him though – and for many others throughout the transport industry – this is not just about improved engine technology: “Our aerodynamic body on the LF has a proven 8.3% fuel saving,” he said.
And that kind of development, along with DAF Trucks’ factory body programme – now with more than 2,000 trucks in operation and an annual running level of over 1,000 bodied vehicles coming out of the Leyland factory – is continuing to grow market share.
“Our market share is running at virtually 30%, which is an all-time high,” said Ashworth.
“The LF in particular is doing very well, being responsible for nearly 40% of all sales in its sector. Paccar Financial is now funding over 40% share of our registrations despite all the headline news that the banks are back.
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Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
At this year’s CV Show in Birmingham Stoneridge Electronics will be showcasing its newSE5000 Exakt digital tachograph, now with Duo technology. Visitors will also be able to get demonstrations of Stoneridge’s new Smartphone apps and free online training tool. On top of that, Stoneridge will demonstrate the recently launched ARENA 250 Roller Brake Tester as well its OPTAC3 tachograph analysis software packages.
Developed in consultation with drivers, the new Duo technology is built into the SE5000 Exakt digital tachograph, giving drivers real-time updates, including countdowns on drive and rest times, as well as useful warnings when nearing the driving limits. Drivers can organise and manage their driving time more efficiently which will maximise driver and vehicle utilisation and ultimately make fleets more profitable. The SE5000 Exakt Duo is also 2nd source of motion ready* in line with the new 1266/2009 legislation due to come in later in the year, and will continue to offer the One minute rule time savings which have seen fleets benefiting from an average of 45 minutes extra driving time per driver per day.
Stoneridge has also created two free apps and will be giving visitors the chance to demo these and see how they work with the tachograph to make life easier for drivers and fleet managers. To help fleets further save costs, Stoneridge has also developed a free online training tool full of useful instruction videos and tutorials to help fleets and drivers get started with the SE5000 Exakt Duo. The Tool is already available at www.SE5000Exakt.com.
Moreover, workshop visitors will be able to get to know the recently launched ARENA 250 Roller Brake Tester. The ARENA 250 benefits from dual functionality, providing Brake Testing and Tachograph Calibration in one bay.
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Tuesday, April 17th, 2012
The current financial climate has made it increasingly difficult for individuals to swap and change careers on a whim, or even forge a career in a chosen sector that excites them and which, at the end of the day, pays the bills. If you are feeling trapped by your current job role, and feel that there is no way out, then you’ll be pleased to learn that here at Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training, we can provide you with a short-term course focused on LGV training London to kick-start a career in an industry that is positively thriving.
The freight industry is booming as a direct result of online shopping, and as such there are many jobs across the UK waiting to be snapped up by a safe, competent driver with a full HGV/LGV licence.
If you’ve already found a career as a LGV driver to be financial fruitful, then you may be looking to progress within your chosen career by gaining a HGV licence. If so, you can come to us here at Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training for a 4/5/6 day training course, dedicated to helping you learn the necessary skills to pass your HGV test with flying colours.
To help you pass your test first time round, you get first-hand experience behind the wheel of a used truck/HGV that will give you invaluable experience. Furthermore, you will be supported throughout by an experienced instructor.
This course is available from as little as £999.
If you are eagerly searching for a way to become a fully qualified LGV driver and forge an exciting new career with lots of benefits, then this is the course for you. You can choose from a 4/5/6 day course and will be supervised throughout to ensure you have the best possible chance to pass your LGV test first time round and gain a full LGV licence Hampshire.
This course is available from as little as £899
To speak to a member of our team and discuss our LGV training London courses, get in touch and call us today on 01276 537 400.
Disclaimer of Endorsement: Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of Surrey & Hampshire HGV Training, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.
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