Hermes uses Paragon to automate planning of deliveries from 14 of its 18 depots to final mile couriers throughout the UK mainland. The routing and scheduling software has already helped Hermes achieve significant efficiencies, with annual savings of £300,000.This figure is expected to increase following the use of Paragon at the remaining depots.

“Paragon has provided us with a range of tactical benefits already. It helps us with developing very accurate routes and has already saved us about £300,000 annualised, thereby paying for itself several times over. It is a good, easy to use, and fully functional solution for our operation. The software allows us to reduce our mileage – and this amounts to an average cost saving of £162 per year for every mile we don’t drive on a daily basis,” says William Ellis, Network Development Manager.

The westbound A14 carriageway will be closed between junction 2, and the Catthorpe Interchange at junction 19 of the M1 for the technology installation work. The A14 at junction 13 will also be closed to HGVs to help minimise congestion and to provide a more convenient diversion route for large vehicles.

The closures are necessary to install traffic detection loops and a number of electronic variable message signs (VMS) on overhead gantries, and are part of the scheme which began in July last year.

The A14 work will take place between 8pm and 6am, with closures and diversion routes operating between 9pm and 5am from Monday, 15 March to Friday 19 March.

Lorries travelling westbound will be directed off the A14 at junction 13, near Thrapston, and follow the A45 to join the M1 at junction 15. Light vehicles will continue on the A14 and be diverted off at junction 2 along the A508 towards Market Harborough and the A4304 to junction 20 of the M1.

Highways Agency project manager Ian Harrison said: “Work on this scheme is progressing well and we are on track for completion at the end of summer 2010.”

“We are carrying out the work at night when traffic flows are lightest, to minimise disruption for road users, and we have separate diversion routes to help drivers of larger vehicles.”

The scheme involves installing fibre optic cables along three sections of the A14 between M1 junction 19 and Felixstowe, which will provide real-time traffic information to 67 electronic overhead signs.

The equipment will monitor the road and when slow moving or stationary traffic is detected, will automatically set a message on the signs warning drivers that they are approaching a queue, as well as journey time information and advice on alternative routes.

Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) traffic monitoring cameras will also be installed at 48 strategic locations along the route to allow operators in the Regional Control Centres monitor the network and take appropriate action when an incident arises.

The technology will benefit road users by reducing the number of rear-end collisions, providing drivers with information on strategic diversion routes, and improving emergency service response times to incidents.

The scheme is being delivered as part of the Government’s up to £6bn roads programme which will deliver significant improvements to major routes in England and ease congestion, improve safety and make journeys more reliable.

The scheme is part funded by a European Grant of €11.6m

The Torex Mobile POS Support department supplies Motorola, Intermec and other Mobile  POS terminals to a range of customers throughout the UK. Since using the parcel network, Torex has improved its customer service levels and has a clear view of shipping costs.

This also enables the company to compile accurately priced new business proposals based on guaranteed next day deliveries.

“We chose APC Overnight because we needed a more flexible, guaranteed next day  delivery service that would better suit the needs of our customers. We are a  demanding customer because our clients need our products to run various  functions with the mobile computers in their stores. Late delivery of new equipment could cause major problems for them. Also, in the event of a mobile computer failure, or when faced with routinerepairs, we have to be sure that  the exchange equipment is delivered to them when they expect it,” says Helen  Slaven, Vice President of Retail, Torex.

Since using the network Torex reports that Torex Mobile POS Support department can now concentrate on the business as they no longer have to waste time chasing late deliveries and lost items.

Recently introduced from the US by  mobile computing specialist, Mobexx, the Google Map based and paperless Mentor  Transit ITS solution enables bus operators to capture and use live data to  create accurate schedules, optimise routes and monitor fleet activities, as  well  as provide real-time updates to customers.

The visual intelligent  transport system reduces running costs by allowing bus companies to make better  use of available buses and drivers, improve fuel efficiency and deliver a  real-world view of bus fleet performance to managers and despatchers. With the  click of a button, the fleet management team can see bus status and location  information, transfer work to other drivers, and manage driver schedules.

In  addition, the system provides drivers with real-time schedule and route  adherence updates, alerting them when arriving early or late to a bus  stop.

The system uses innovative all-in-one Ranger in-vehicle computers fitted within the cabs of each bus to provide an automatic live link  between drivers and the despatch office. The computers combine satellite tracking, two-way communications and vehicle telematics data collection.

The computers also incorporate magnetic stripe and smart card readers for  point-of-sale transactions so there is no need for separate fare collection  systems. The devices can be used a wide range of peripherals, such as printers, RFID card readers as well as provide a useful computer interface for vehicle  inspection/maintenance, odometer monitoring and driver payroll data  collection.

The new fully-integrated system utilises Masternaut’s renowned vehicle  tracking, Lokate lone-worker personal communication and  discrete Asset Track  plant security devices.

By using the system,  Nottinghamshire tracks over 200 vehicles, including  gritters, gully cleansing  equipment, vans, trucks and Lorries; ensures that  lone workers are safe during  site visits; and monitors mobile plant such as  diggers, tractor mowers, wood  shredders and ride on mowers.

“This is a powerful and comprehensive solution. It gives us a bird’s eye  view of our resources and monitors activities  in real time as well as  provides historical records for every vehicle and piece  of plant, helping to  boost our efficiency levels and deliver service  improvements to our customers.

It also provides two-way communication for lone workers so that managers  can keep in touch with staff whenever they are out on  site,” says Mick  Monaghan, Projects Manager, Highway Operations, Nottinghamshire  County Council.

Along with two delivered at the end of last year and a three axle rigid XF105 due for delivery soon, these latest arrivals mark another stage of Stardes fleet renewal programme that will see 15 of its fleet replaced by 2012.

The DAFs are being used on tours by leading artists and bands including Leonard Cohen, Arctic Monkeys and Simple Minds, which can see the trucks venturing as far east as the Black Sea resorts of Russia.

With drivers living in their trucks for up to eight weeks at a stretch, Stardes has opted for the highest level of comfort by specifying the DAF Super Space Cab, which company founder David Steinberg describes as: “a five-star DAF hotel!”

In volume terms the Super Space cab is the largest sleeper cab on the market offering more living, working and storage space than any other truck in its class.  With an internal height of 2.1 metres there’s ample room for even the tallest driver to move around comfortably.

The list of home comforts ranges from a fridge and microwave to a DVD player and a top quality CD system. When travelling between venues there’s the comfort of air conditioning along with an air-suspended seat. And a good night’s sleep is assured by the 15 cm thick mattress measuring 2.1 metres by 1.8 metres.

Fitting of a landline inverter enables a power supply to be picked up from an external source to avoid draining the batteries during long spells when the truck is parked and the engine switched off at venues.

The latest pair of two-axle FT XF510 tractors are powered by the 12.9 litre MX engine rated at 510 bhp. At their plated weight of 38 tonnes this gives a more than generous 13.42 bhp per tonne of power to weight, although in fact the trucks rarely run above 35 tonnes.

This high power to weight also helps to overcome wind resistance from the high cube tri-axle trailers in which the wide range of equipment needed for a big show is carried. This is further aided by the use of a full range of aerodynamic devices including Hatcher side skirts on both the tractors and their trailers.

David Steinberg is a big advocate of safety and has specified LED lights and reflective 3m tapes on the tractors and trailers for increased visibility. As these right hand drive trucks are frequently running on the Continent, he has also had an additional ‘blind spot’ camera fitted on the nearside. And a retarder helps to reduce wear on the service brakes during long or particularly steep descents.

To allow coupling to the variety of high cube trailers in the fleet from Montracon, Schmitz and SDC, the DAFs have a Jost dual-height fifth wheel. Overall vehicle height is kept down by the use of 317/70 R22.5 energy-saving tyres all round on the tractors.  Extra large fuel tanks enable full advantage to be taken of different fuel costs in the countries through which the trucks pass and the trucks also have 100 litre Ad Blue tanks.  Heavy duty power packs are fitted.

The trucks are routinely serviced in Stardes own well-equipped five-bay workshop in Sheffield by technicians who have received training from DAF. But with the trucks away from base for long periods each carries a spare wheel, a toolbox and a set of basic replacement items as a precaution. The company also relies on DAF’s ITS roadside assistance for support in emergencies, which David Steinberg says provides an excellent level of response.

All of Stardes new DAFs were supplied by Imperial Commercials of Scunthorpe.

Organisations that have worked to improve fleet safety are being urged to enter the annual awards, run by the Fleet Safety Forum, a division of Brake, the road safety charity. Awards will be presented at a black tie evening event at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire on 1 July 2010.

Now in their 10^th year, and sponsored by ARVAL, these prestigious awards recognise the achievements of those working to help reduce the number of costly and in many cases fatal road crashes involving at-work drivers [1]. Last year’s winners included Balfour Beatty, Fleet Support Group, Gateshead Council and Royal Mail.

Entries are invited from organisations running any type of fleet and from companies that provide products or services to fleets, who have worked to improve safety. Awards are available in ten categories:

1. Road Risk Manager of the Year Award for the risk or fleet manager who has implemented exemplary road risk management policies with proven results.
2. Company Driver Safety Award for the organisation that has implemented initiatives that do most to promote safe driving among employees.
3. Fleet Safety Analysis and Action Award for the organisation that has implemented the most effective procedures for carrying out risk assessments, crash data analysis, and introducing tailored interventions.
4. Safe Vehicles Award for the organisation that has implemented the most effective maintenance procedures and technology to improve the safety of its vehicles.
5. Eco Fleet Award for the organisation that has done the most to improve safety and the environment by introducing green initiatives, from innovative travel plans, to fuel efficient driving and more.
6. Road Safety in the Community Award for the organisation that has worked hardest with its local community to improve road safety for all road users
7. Fleet Safety Provider of the Year Award for the fleet service provider that has offered outstanding services to improve fleet safety
8. Fleet Safety Product Award for the product that does the most to improve fleet safety through technology
9. Vehicle Manufacturer Award for safe vehicle design
10. Kevin Storey Award for Outstanding Commitment to Road Safety for the organisation or individual that has gone above and beyond the call of duty in its commitment to road safety, not just within the company but also the wider community. Organisations cannot enter this Award themselves, but can nominate someone else within the industry by emailing fleetsafetyforum@brake.org.uk

The plans – which include making eco driver training for LGV drivers a mandatory part of the EU Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) – aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the freight sector.

The Minister said: “We are absolutely committed to reducing emissions from across the transport sector. Given that 20% of all transport emissions come from road freight, these drivers must be a priority.”

“With initiatives like this I am confident we will succeed in creating a greener and cleaner industry fit to meet the environmental challenges we face.”

The consultation – which will be open for around 16 weeks – sets out the options which will enable 90% of lorry drivers to receive eco-driver training. Also included are plans to increase promotion of the benefits of eco-driving training to encourage greater take up.

The measures support a commitment by the Department for Transport to save an additional 85 million tonnes of CO2 from domestic transport from 2018-2022.

The consultation also considers the possibility of making the eco-driving training a mandatory part of bus drivers CPC.

This work is the first phase of a scheme to widen the roundabout. The scheme will increase the capacity on the roundabout and reduce congestion at the junction. Before the widening work can take place the Agency is upgrading the traffic lights and work is also needed to divert a water main which runs across the roundabout. The main work to widen the roundabout will begin early in 2011.

Work to replace the traffic lights will take nine weeks and in order to minimise the disruption to drivers work will take place at night between 10pm and 6am. There will be lane closures on the approaches to the roundabout and on the roundabout. There will be slight delays for drivers.

Trees and shrubs on the roundabout will also be removed before the bird nesting season begins and will be replanted at the end of the scheme.

Work to divert the water main will take place in June and last for 15 weeks. There will only be slight delays to traffic as the majority of the work will take place within the roundabout and any lane restrictions will take place at night.

Highways Agency project manager Steve Wright said: “The new traffic lights are the first phase of a three phase scheme to improve the roundabout. Where possible we are carrying out the work at night in order to minimise the disruption to traffic and we ask drivers to take care when traveling through the road works. Once complete the widened roundabout will smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion at the junction.”

The restriction will be in place between 7am and 7pm each day on two uphill stretches of the southbound carriageway of the A1(M) between Junction 63 and Lumley New Bridge, and between Junction 61 and Bishop Middleham.

Lorries of 7.5 tonnes and over will be restricted from using the outside lane between those times, leaving it clear for faster, lighter traffic and help ensure more reliable journeys for all road users. Results from the trial indicate that overall average journey times have improved, with no adverse impact on HGV journey times.

Highways Agency Route Performance Manager, Steve Bishop, said:“We are committed to tackling congestion and making journeys on our roads safer and more reliable. On average, 26,000 vehicles use this stretch of motorway each day, and almost 20% of these are HGVs. Heavier vehicles often slow down on uphill sections of road, which can cause frustration among other road users caught up in queues.

“The trial brought a welcome cut in congestion and improvement in journey time reliability and by making the restriction permanent people who use this motorway will again see the benefits.

“We will continue to monitor the impact of the scheme on traffic flows and journey time reliability to ensure the restriction remains a success. Road signs advising people of the restriction will be put up along these sections of the A1(M).”

A similar lorry overtaking ban became permanent in August 2009 on the northbound carriageway of the M42, between junctions 10 and 11 near Tamworth.

The aim of the video is to help cyclists and Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers become more aware of each other as they navigate Ireland’s busy roads.

The video was produced to provide an educational resource to Goods vehicle drivers and cyclists on how to safely share the road, particularly in urban areas.

Research has shown that over the period, 1998 to 2008:
•         144 cyclists were killed on Irish roads.
•         Of these, 33% were involved in a collision with a goods vehicle.
•         30% of the collisions occurred during evening rush hour.
•         The highest number of fatalities occurred in Dublin accounting for 30% of those killed.

Speaking on Monday Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport, wholeheartedly welcomed the video, saying it is a  “really useful learning aid for cyclists and HGV drivers alike. We all share our roads, but we can sometimes forget that different types of road users have different characteristics and needs. Cyclists will welcome not only the opportunity to see the challenges that can face HGV drivers in negotiating the urban environment due to the size of their vehicles but also the commonsense safety advice that this video contains. HGV drivers will welcome this reminder of the need to be ultra cautious where there are likely to be cyclists about. And all drivers need to be ever more aware of cyclists as the Government delivers on our policy of securing a fivefold increase in cycling by 2010”

The Minister continued: “This is a very worthwhile initiative led by the Road Safety Authority. But I am particularly heartened by the collaboration that has taken place between the RSA, Cyclist.ie, the Irish Road haulage association, Dublin City Council and my Department in delivering the video. This sort of teamwork convinces me more than ever that Ireland can, and will, work together to deliver not only our cycling targets but a sustainable Smarter Travel future”

The video follows a HGV driver as he travels through Dublin’s busy streets, typical of those found in other major cities and large towns in Ireland. It highlights the concerns goods vehicle drivers and in particular HGV drivers have in urban areas in relation to cyclists,  illustrates the vulnerability cyclists may feel when sharing the road with goods vehicles and offers commonsense advice to HGV drivers. It also advises cyclists to be aware of the “blind zone” which prevents HGV drivers of seeing cyclists positioned to the left or close to the front of a HGV.

Noel Brett, Chief Executive, RSA, said: “We are delighted to launch this viral video as it will aid cyclists and goods vehicle drivers to understand the difficulties they face when interacting with each other on the roads. Through this viral video, we hope to encourage them to work together to make our roads a safer place not only for themselves, but for all road users”.

The film is available to download from YouTube and the following websites, Road Safety Authority, Department of Transport, Dublin City Council, Local Authorities, Irish Road Haulage Association, cycling.ie and all cycling club websites throughout the country.

The Pocket Guide is specifically designed for drivers and gives tips, guidance and facts to help minimise delays, improve safety, as well as saving fuel and therefore money.

Driving through built up areas will often involve negotiating unfamiliar traffic lanes, junctions and restrictions. This Pocket Guide outlines steps to help drivers ensure their own safety and that of other road users. It offers advice to drivers on what they should look out for while driving in an urban area including:

* Selecting the most appropriate route choice

* Interpreting loading and parking restrictions

* Ensuring the vehicle is fit for purpose

Like all Freight Best Practice publications, the Urban Driving Guide is completely free of charge and can be obtained by either visiting www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/scotland or by calling the Hotline on 0845 877 0 877

This publication is available to operators in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Highways Agency is widening the motorway from three lanes to four between junction 27, for the M11, and junction 30, for the A13. The M25 is also being given an extra lane in both directions between junctions 16 and 23. The projects are part of major Government investment to improve journey time reliability and safety on Europe’s busiest motorway.

Widening work began at junction 27 in July 2009. The Highways Agency is about to complete the first stage of this widening on time.

Sij Dhanju, Highways Agency project manager, said: “Increasing the number of lanes will improve the M25’s reliability in both journey times and safety for road users. The two widening projects on either side of the motorway north of the capital represent a major challenge for the Highways Agency. We are keeping three lanes open in both directions during the work to minimise disruption to road users.”

“The exhibition is just one way of explaining to local residents and others about how the work is progressing and how we will keep traffic flowing during the widening, to answer their questions and highlight the benefits an extra lane will bring.”

In June, engineers will start widening a section from just before junction 28 to junction 29. Both sections, to the north-west and north-east of London, are due to be completed before the Olympics in 2012.

Held over two days – Friday 5 and Saturday 6 March – at the Nightingale Centre in Brentwood, the exhibition will give the public an opportunity to see the benefits of adding an extra lane to the M25 throughout much of the Essex stretch of the motorway, which is used by up to 200,000 vehicles a day.

The two widening schemes, and refurbishment of the Hatfield Tunnel on the A1(M), are being carried out by Connect Plus on behalf of the Highways Agency. The projects are employing up to 4,000 people.

TRACKER, the UK’s leading stolen vehicle tracking and recovery systems specialist is preparing to launch a ground breaking product with greater resistance to jamming. TRACKER Locate will provide a significantly enhanced defence against vehicle theft following the latest revelations.

Tracking devices have become a major part of every day life with GPS being used in everything from cars to phones, cameras and even pet collars. But GPS systems are vulnerable to a technique called ‘jamming’ which blocks the signal between a GPS satellite and its receiver.

The impending launch of TRACKER Locate, marks the arrival of the most advanced tracking device on the market, incorporating GSM, GPS and VHF technology in one unit. The result is a solution far more resistant to criminals using jamming devices. Used by all 52 police forces, TRACKER’s stolen vehicle tracking and recovery systems inform the police of the initial location of a stolen vehicle. Crucially, TRACKER Locate will raise an alert if there is any attempt to jam the communication system or tamper with the unit, so the police and owner are aware of the theft instantly. It then uses the precision of VHF technology to track that stolen vehicle to its exact location.

“Many people are unaware how much we rely on GPS. It’s not just vehicle owners that are under the increasing threat of jamming,” explains Stephen Doran, managing director for TRACKER. “With criminals increasingly importing jammers from China or manufacturing their own in the UK, experts are even voicing concerns that air traffic control or other important networks may come under attack by terrorists in the future if steps aren’t taken.”

Stephen Doran concludes, “There is an over-reliance, particularly on GPS alone, as a security and recovery system. With more and more UK motorists vulnerable to attack from jamming devices we don’t believe a single technology system is robust enough. TRACKER Locate has been designed specifically to overcome these issues for the stolen vehicle recovery market. But, more importantly, our advances in technology make this solution equally applicable to any market or business where the protection of the asset is paramount and the rising risk of GPS jamming causes concern.”

It's all smiles!!!!

Under the agreement Scania will be responsible for every aspect of the maintenance of approximately 280 Autologic drawbar trucks and trailers, including all required LOLER testing for lifting decks, with the single exception of tyre fleet management.  Once operating at full capacity, Scania will provide 18 Technicians on rotating shifts and all administrative staff required to run the VMU on Autologic’s behalf.

Scania today offers an extensive range of services, including VMU operation, under its Total Transport Solutions banner and its ability to provide an all-inclusive maintenance solution for every item of equipment in the Autologic mixed fleet of trucks and specialised car transporter trailers was key to the contract award.

“We have an extremely complex fleet maintenance requirement which places high demands on suppliers as it calls for a wide range of capabilities and skills,” comments Simon Knight, Autologic’s Head of Operations – Fleet and Planning.  “Up until now, our maintenance has been outsourced to a number of suppliers.  This, however, ties up a great deal of management time and resource, so we decided to seek a single supplier for a bumper-to-bumper solution instead.  Achieving this, however, proved elusive until we entered into discussions with Scania (Great Britain), which has long provided repair and maintenance for us on a localised basis.

“Scania’s ability and willingness to deliver a high-quality total transport solution backed by a commitment to maximise our uptime, which will be realised by introducing seven-day working at the Doncaster site, led to the agreement we are now implementing.

“From our point-of-view, this is an ideal situation.  We are already well aware of the quality of Scania’s work and believe the closer integration of our two organisations will not only reduce our administration time and optimise our repair and maintenance workflow, but also prove economically beneficial for both parties.”

As a leading provider of logistics and technical services to the automotive industry,  Autologic Holdings specialises in new vehicle preparation, enhancement, and distribution and used vehicle refurbishment.  The company is also a leading supplier of finished vehicle logistics services to the UK automotive industry.  With a fleet of over 320 car transporters, including 125 Scania prime movers, and a network of 20 centres nationwide, Autologic is responsible for over 1.2 million vehicle movements each year on behalf of vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and dealerships.

“Diesel is the commodity on which this industry is totally reliant,” said RHA Chief Executive, Geoff Dunning. “We are already paying fuel duty rates that are up to six times higher than our European counterparts. If the Chancellor goes ahead with the 2.5 increase next month, it will mean that road transport operators will, on average, be paying an extra £1,100 per year in fuel duty alone, and that’s on top of the price of the fuel itself.

According to the Treasury, duty increases are ‘an important part of the deficit reduction plan’

“Of course we understand that in order to regain economic stability, certain sacrifices have to be made,” continued Geoff Dunning. “But it seems grossly unfair that the UK haulage industry, the one sector on which the rest of UK plc is so dependent, should be the one to have its throat cut in this way. We need a Chancellor who is prepared to listen to and help this industry. Not one who seems hell-bent on driving it off the road completely”.

The latest report from Truckpol concerns an incident on 23rd February 2010 when three young white men attempted to steal lorry batteries from a Truck and Trailer supplier in Wolverhampton.

The offenders came into the yard and were spotted by members of staff and were asked to leave. They then moved their van and parked it near to the staff car park and were seen to be putting batteries into the back of the van. They were challenged by members of staff who prevented the van from leaving by blocking it in. Three used batteries were found in the back of the van, all three were recovered.

The offenders were using a white Ford Transit Van, which was sign written with a paving or driveway company. The registration taken was YJ07YDL, this comes back as a Triumph Motorcycle.

If you have any information on the above please contact TruckPol on 02476 516246 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Members from the CLTM also re-elected Florence Berthelot from the French Road Hauliers Association FNTR (Fédération Nationale des Transports Routiers) and Christian Labrot from the German Logistics Association BWVL (Bundesverband Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Logistik) as Vice-Presidents.

All have curtainside bodies and are equipped with tuck under tail lifts. They are replacement vehicles which join a predominantly Volvo fleet of over 100 vehicles.

The Renault Midlums will be covering around 100,000 kms a year, transporting freight such as Volvo and Renault parts to Renault and Volvo dealers across the country. They will operate across the company’s network of locations throughout the UK.

Jim McFarlane, Fleet Engineer, Maxi Haulage, says: “The Renault Midlums are welcome additions to our fleet. We bought a number of Renaults a couple of years ago and have found the Midlum to be a good, reliable, value for money vehicle. This is very important in our drive for cost reduction and improved efficiency so that we continue to provide our customers with a low cost, quality service. We have a good relationship with Renault Trucks and undertake the company’s nationwide parts distribution.”

Established in Irvine, Scotland in 1971, Maxi Haulage began transporting specialised freight throughout the UK and between Britain and Ireland. It is one of the largest privately owned distribution companies in the UK which has grown to become a multi-million pound business with an annual turnover in excess of £31 million. The company has a network of depots in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland and specialises in multi-user distribution services, contract haulage and warehousing, together with parts and commercial vehicle delivery. Maxi Haulage is part of the Maxi Group which consists of three divisions, haulage, construction and property development and leisure.

The Presidential Executive of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) has endorsed the goals of the UN Resolution on Road Safety by committing to allocate $2 million to the UN road safety implementation plan named “Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020”.

For the International Road Transport Union and all of its 180 Members in 74 countries on the 5 continents, road safety always has been, is and will remain a top priority issue. In fact, for every true professional every accident is one too many.

In its great efforts to further improve road safety, the IRU is committed to supporting the goals of the UN Resolution as well as the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. In this respect the IRU supports the UN Resolution objectives to broaden the geographic scope and the implementation of the road safety projects foreseen.

In order to achieve this goal, IRU deputy Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, announced to the UN Road Safety Collaboration today that the IRU Presidential Executive has committed major funds to implement appropriate projects to effectively improve commercial road transport safety provided that this important commitment by the profession is matched by partners involved in road safety or by the donor community.

This IRU commitment perfectly reflects the IRU motto: “Working together for a better future”. The IRU, representing the road transport industry worldwide, is prepared to take its full responsibility in this priority issue. Indeed, it is the duty of everyone to assume fully day after day, their respective responsibilities for improving road safety. The IRU will remain at the disposal of its public and private partners to initiate cooperation on road transport industry projects which will effectively address the main causes of accidents involving commercial vehicles.

The project – which has been completed two months ahead of schedule – is part of a major Government investment to improve journey time reliability and safety on Europe’s busiest motorway.

The Highways Agency has resurfaced the carriageway through the 515 metre-long tunnel and installed improved lighting and ventilation. Fire safety systems have also been replaced. CCTV cameras to help traffic officers spot and clear up incidents in the tunnel more quickly have also been installed.

Transport Minister Chris Mole said:

“I am delighted that this major upgrade has been delivered two months early. The 120,000 motorists and hauliers who use this busy part of the M25 every day will all benefit from the upgrade which brings the tunnel, opened in 1983, up to the highest safety standards. Improved lighting, ventilation and fire safety systems have been installed – and new CCTV cameras will help Highways Agency traffic officers keep the motorway moving.

“The work is part of a major package of improvements to deliver improved journey time reliability and safety on the M25 as a whole. The Holmesdale Tunnel at junction 25, west of Bell Common, has already been upgraded and the two busiest sections of the M25, between junctions 16 and 23 and 27 and 30, are currently being widened to increase capacity. We also plan to open up the hard shoulder as a traffic lane at peak times between junctions 5 and 7 and from 23 to 27.”

Work to install the new ‘MS3’ signs will begin this week and they are due to come into use by the end of April.

Two variable message signs and CCTV cameras are being installed on the eastbound carriageway and will be in operation ahead of major events this summer such as the V Festival and Cosford Airshow. Providing road users with the latest traffic information is an essential part of the work of the Highways Agency and these new signs are specifically designed to provide information about incidents, hazards, events and campaigns.

Work will take place on the hard shoulder during the day and a lane one closure will be required overnight to provide a safe working area. During this time there will be a 50mph speed restriction in place for the safety or road users and the workforce.

The UK market leader has tasked Rocket Creative with helping to raise awareness of Bridgestone’s Truck and Bus Tyres highlighting the many benefits they boast including details of new and exciting technologies. Rocket Creative shall provide communications to the market place surrounding their ever-growing client base along with trade relevant information.

Stuart Attfield, Commercial Marketing Analyst at Bridgestone said “Rocket Creative were the obvious choice to oversee our PR for 2010. Their depth of experience, and outstanding portfolio prove that Bridgestone are in very capable hands. I look forward to developing a strong and productive relationship with the Rocket Creative over the next twelve months”.

“We are thrilled to be working with Bridgestone UK and look forward to a great year ahead with them. The Rocket Creative team are continuing to go from strength to strength, building upon our established client base and extending our skills set ” Neil Thompson, Managing Director at Rocket Creative.

Rocket Creative is a full service creative communications agency offering the best in creative thinking. Whether the requirement is large or small, conventional or digital, Rocket’s approach always delivers outstanding results. We thrive upon our knowledge across many different market sectors and are proud to possess a team of talented individuals all high on experience.

When the HOV lane was first introduced, the RHA asked for HGVs to be allowed to use it but the request was refused. When proposals to increase the length of the HOV lane were put forward the Association made a further attempt on the basis that haulage companies have to respond to customer requirements and have no choice about delivering in morning peak hours.

Regional Director, Mike Farmer commented: “We used the argument that HGVs should be viewed as freight buses and thus should be allowed to use the HOV lane. We are delighted the Council accepted this view and it is clear they understand fully the importance of HGVs in delivering daily life to Bristol. We are also very pleased that Councils now appear to be listening to us”.

This represents a sharp increase from previous research conducted in 2008, which showed a market penetration of around 25%. In addition, the findings suggest that vehicle tracking has become a valued fleet tool with 96% of operators using the technology stating that it has added benefit to their business.

The Survey reports that improving productivity (41%) is the main reason for adopting vehicle tracking. However, fleet operators are achieving a much wider range of benefits from using the technology with reduced costs (77%), increased productivity (64%), added security (52%), and enhanced fleet and employee performance (51%) the most extensively highlighted. In addition, many respondents stated that vehicle tracking also helps their business meet legislative requirements such as Duty of Care and Working Time Directive.

Of those respondents that are not using vehicle tracking 40% stated that this was because it did not meet the requirements of the business, and 37% stated that systems were too expensive.

Meanwhile, the survey also demonstrates that green initiatives still have a relatively low uptake. In fact, only 5% of respondents are implementing Green Band Driving or Eco Routing, with a further 24% currently considering the introduction of these initiatives. However,companies that have implemented Green Band Driving all reported benefits, with reduced fuel bills and reduced emissions.

Tom O’Connor, Managing Director of DigiCore Ltd, commented: “The adoption of vehicle tracking systems clearly reflects the challenges that fleet managers face. Fluctuating fuel costs and pressure to reduce costs continue to be by far the largest concern for fleet and transport managers, so fleet managers are looking for ways to help better manage resources.

The findings of the survey support the fact that using a vehicle tracking system can result in a more reactive fleet with increased driver productivity, provide a return on investment and enable thebusiness to have increased capacity to meet demand.”

With her trademark blend of warmth and humour, Kate Silverton will undoubtedly prove a massive hit with an audience comprising the great and good of the logistics sector.

Jo Tanner of the Freight Transport Association, which is organising the event, said: “Logistics deserves to be headline news for the massive part it plays in keeping our homes, shops, hospitals and businesses running. So who better than Kate Silverton to present the sector’s very own night of celebration?”

During the glamorous black tie event, audience members will be treated to the premiere of four short films, each revealing the positive impact the logistics sector has on different areas of our lives, from entertainment to healthcare.

Tanner continued: “The Logistics Showcase is all about bringing the industry’s many achievements from behind the scenes to centre stage. We should not be shy in blowing our own trumpet and it is great news that someone with the profile, professionalism and sparkle that Kate brings will be able to help us share in our successes.”

The Logistics Showcase is set to be the must-attend event in the transport calendar and will take place on Tuesday 13 April, the first night of the CVO Show, at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham.

The order for 95 Volvo FE snowplough/spreader chassis, which is also believed to be the biggest-ever order received by Volvo for new FE trucks, means that a significant part of  England’s motorway and trunk road network will be kept clear by Volvo vehicles next winter.

Romaquip (Ireland) and AEBI Schmidt (Holland & UK) have a four year framework contract to replace the Highways Agency’s winter service fleet. Following a successful tender, both suppliers have chosen the Volvo FE chassis for vehicles to be provided for the 2010/11 winter season.

The FE 6×4 double drive chassis are to be supplied by Irish Commercials of Naas, Co Kildare to Romaquip and AEBI Schmidt who will then fit their high-tech equipment at their factories in Birr, Co Offaly, Ireland, and Holten in Holland.

It is a fantastic achievement and we must congratulate everyone involved for bringing it to a successful conclusion,” said Conor Horan, Sales Director of Irish Commercials (Sales) Ltd., adding “But I would especially like to pay tribute to Jim Bergin for the hard work he has put into this order and Martin Kelly from Sales Engineering at Warwick for his invaluable contribution with the technical spec of the vehicles.”

Whilst it is great news for the British and Irish dealer network, it is even greater news for Irish Commercials, who have recently invested in brand new, state-of-the-art workshop and customer facilities which are setting the standard for the industry and competitors.

Since the vessel entered service on the Heysham – Belfast route she has completed over 600 voyages and carried more than 500,000 lane metres of freight with a 99 per cent reliability performance.

The Maersk Exporter accommodates 117 freight units and has a service speed of 18 knots, providing more capacity and better scheduling than the vessel she replaced.

Poul Woodall, route director stated: “Our plan to transfer three Exporter type vessels from the North Sea to the Heysham routes was realized and completed last year. It is very pleasing to see this plan in place as the size and speed of these vessels makes them ideally suited to our Heysham services. The Maersk Exporter has helped our customers to improve the productivity of their fleet and thereby remain as competitive as possible in a difficult market environment.

Following the transfer of the three vessels from the North Sea to Heysham we have recorded more than 30 per cent growth in freight volume for the Heysham services compared to this time last year, and we happily celebrate this anniversary.”

Freight Sales Director, Declan Cleary added “To mark the occasion Norfolkline are providing special offers for customers on the Heysham – Belfast route for the month of March. We would like to invite freight companies to experience the benefits the route has to offer, particularly the potential savings over the long drive option through Scotland. As part of our commitment to customer service, freight drivers will enjoy the on-board experience with freshly prepared meals and single ensuite cabins for their voyage.’

The ‘Remote LINK Working Time’ device enables businesses to track the hours of every employee who is working away from the office while the ‘Remote LINK Logbook’ keeps an accurate record of mileage clocked up on a company vehicle whether it be work-related or personal usage.

“The TomTom LINK system makes it easy for fleet managers to track and trace their company vehicles,” explains Thomas Schmidt, Managing Director TomTom WORK. ”By adding these new Remote LINK devices, managers can gather valuable data about their employees’ working hours and mileage – data they can use to boost productivity, increase efficiency and save money.”

The Remote LINK Working Time not only offers new business insight into employee activity on the road – it also transforms employee productivity by removing the need for manual timesheets. Designed as an easy-to-use remote control, it enables each employee to identify themselves and record their working status by ‘clicking’ their ID key on the remote. This information is sent automatically back to the office through the TomTom LINK. Using TomTom’s web-based reporting tool, managers can run reports on when employees started, paused and stopped work.

The Remote LINK Logbook, meanwhile, boosts efficiency on the road and in the office. Simply by clicking a button at the start of each journey, employees can register it as a commute, a personal trip or a work-related journey. Individual and group mileage can be monitored by day, week, month or year, and all data can be integrated with payroll and billing systems for smarter, faster calculations and payments. Both of these remote control products can also save considerable costs by reducing administration.

Availability and pricing
The Remote LINK Working Time and Remote LINK Logbook will be made available during the second quarter of 2010. The recommended price is £69 for each device and £35 for ten ID keys to use with the Working Time device.

Although AA DriveTech already has a portfolio of innovative courses for professional drivers of Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs) and Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCVs) wishing to remain compliant with the new driver training requirements introduced over the last 18 months, the division is keen to extend its presence in this new market by making full use of the enormous resources that the AA Group can bring to bear.

“The AA is synonymous with quality driver training in many different guises,“ says Jason Vallint, “and I am looking forward to the challenge of making it the number one choice for Driver CPC courses too. We have immense expertise at hand within the group, and of course a trusted brand with national reach, so I am confident that we will make our mark.”

Prior to joining AA DriveTech, Jason was a director at BiS Henderson, the transport and supply chain recruitment specialist. He has held senior positions at the Transport Research Laboratory and the environmental consultancy AEA Technology plc, where he was responsible for initiating driver development schemes such as the Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving (SAFED) programmes on behalf of the Department for Transport.