Aimed at both fleet and road safety professionals, the workshops will run throughout autumn 2010 and spring 2011 in various locations across the UK. A range of topics are covered including viral road safety marketing, eliminating driver distractions, and several meet the expert sessions, where participants can meet academic experts in the fields of fleet and road safety.

The workshops are run through Brake’s Fleet and Road Safety Forums, which aim to support professional development and encourage the sharing of best practice. For more information go to www.brake.org.uk/events. To book a place contact the Brake admin team on 01484 559909 or admin@brake.org.uk.

To celebrate four dynamic decades, the prices of some of Shopfta’s most popular items will be slashed by 40 per cent, for other items it will be as if 40 years of inflation never happened.

From the beginning of September until the end of the year, the prices of tachograph charts and tally rolls – unavailable in the ‘70s – will be slashed by 40 per cent and various items from Shopfta’s extensive catalogue will be priced as if frozen in the ‘70s. For example, a pack of ten Weekly Driver’s Record Books will cost a mere £1.50 (or 30 Shillings). All items will be subject to restrictions.

Sam Law, Head of Shopfta, said: “From the introduction of compulsory drivers’ records books to the digital tachograph, Shopfta has spent four decades responding to industry’s needs by providing transport operators with a one stop shop for quality supplies. What better way to celebrate 40 years at the top and to say thank you to our loyal customers than to roll the prices back to the age of the space hopper and spangles.”

Shopfta’s product range has moved with the times and now includes over 600 items which may be ordered online, by phone or by post.

Law concluded: “Where record books, clipboards and posters were once the mainstay of Shopfta we now provide sophisticated digital solutions, downloading equipment and tacho reporting software to reflect a more demanding, high-tech age.

“Despite an ever evolving product range, the values that Shopfta has been built on remain; and customers will still get the same warm, informed and efficient response that we are known for. Furthermore, for four months they will also enjoy some extra tremendous bargains.”

The new Volvo FL 4×2 rigid truck went on the road June 1st and is fitted with a specialised scissor-lift refrigerated body and a unique 360º camera system that allows the truck to safely manoeuvre around large and small aircraft alike – crucial when operating airside. Simon Carey, Director of Logistics at Royal Blue explained: “The driver needs to have a sense of exactly where the truck is in three dimensions. Colliding with an aircraft wing or fuselage would be a very costly error.”

Simon Carey said, “The Volvo FL is perfect for this job. As well as servicing aircraft at Heathrow, the truck is trunking to Stansted and Birmingham airports too. It is a delight to drive with a superb gearbox and with 280 horsepower, it pulls like a train.”

He added, “All our trucks are special builds so we need vehicles that will go the distance. We already have an older model FL so we know it can do the work.” Royal Blue keep their trucks working for as long as 17 years, so service back-up is paramount. “The service we’ve had from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London, Hayes has been perfect. With expensive perishable loads and tight deadlines to meet, reliability is vital. That’s why we’ve gone for the Volvo FL,” said Simon.

From their dedicated catering premises in nearby Ashford, Middlesex, Royal Blue specialise in the middle east market providing food supplies for all types of aircraft from small private executive jets, all the way up to Boeing 747s.

From Monday the work will move to the A20. Sections of the A20 will be closed during this work with clearly signed diversions in place.

John Burns, Highways Agency route performance manager for Kent, said: “The work is part of our ongoing investment in keeping our roads operating safely and reliably. This vital route carries a lot of heavy traffic. This work further improves the surface of the road making it safer for road users. Resurfacing the road now will reduce the need for the road to be closed for longer to maintain it in the future.”

The event takes place every two years to coincide with regular changes to UK dangerous goods legislation linked to ADR, and is of particular relevance to fleet managers, vehicle engineers and those responsible for specifying road fuel tanker design.

The seminar provides an opportunity for delegates to plan for future legislation developments specific to their operations, and to hear from Department for Transport experts, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) and leading industry bodies on tank testing, enforcement and specification issues.

Key sessions include:

* ADR changes in 2011 affecting fuel tanker operators

* Tank inspection and testing

* European Whole Vehicle Type Approval

* ADR enforcement and VOSA roadside targeting

* Safe Loading Pass Scheme

* Disaster recovery

The event will be chaired by Dave Rowlands, Technical Services Director at Wincanton Group.

Registration for FTA members is £315 plus VAT for the first delegate and £265 plus VAT for subsequent delegates. For non-members registration is £375 plus VAT for the first delegate and £335 plus VAT for subsequent delegates.

For further information call the FTA Member Service Centre on 08717 11 22 22 or visit http://www.fta.co.uk/services/conferences-and-events/2010/fuel-tanker/

Established by the Freight Transport Association as a response to industry’s need to improve the profile of logistics practices in the Republic of Ireland, FTA Ireland will give the Irish logistics industry a new opportunity to present their combined views on transport policy.

Declan McKeon, FTA Ireland’s newly-appointed Head of Policy, said: “FTA Ireland represents an exciting and very real opportunity to better the industry’s image and improve the way in which the logistics sector operates by sharing best practice and ideas. By vocalising these ideas at the very highest level we can create a safer, more environmentally friendly and more efficient supply chain.”

Declan is a dangerous goods specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the logistics sector. Before taking the mantle at FTA Ireland, Declan oversaw warehouse logistics for Coca-Cola Concentrate in Drogheda, Louth.

McKeon concluded: “During my career I have come across companies that take their commitments to road safety very seriously. These same companies have a strong compulsion to differentiate themselves from those who take their adherence to transport regulations less seriously. My new role will enable me to help those companies achieve this aim.

“I am relishing the challenge of presenting the views of members to the Irish Government and other policy agencies, and I look forward to helping establish FTA Ireland as the undisputed voice for Irish logistics.”

Quartix telematics has assisted with the routeing and scheduling project, enabling both councils to remap and fine tune the new collection routes.

As well as reducing mileage and fuel usage, the new routes – introduced in July – aim to release capacity and protect the two councils from the impact of future housing growth for more years than would otherwise have been the case.

St Edmundsbury Council’s 18 refuse trucks account for just 16% of its fleet, but 80% of its fuel use.

The potential savings are immense, says the council.

With councils across the country facing steep budget cuts, Quartix – one of the most respected telematics providers – has seen increasing demand from the public sector.

In March, the company completed a major contract for Carmathenshire County Council, enabling the council’s building services department to run its 86-vehicle mixed fleet more efficiently and economically.

In July, Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust expanded its contract, procuring Quartix tracking for health courier vehicles in the north of its region.

Andy Kirk, Quartix sales and marketing director, said: “The main reason we are seeing so much interest from the public sector is quite straightforward – telematics saves money, and a great deal of it.

“For example, as much as £2,000 per vehicle, per year is routinely achieved by many of our clients, plus improved productivity and efficiency.

“Faced with severe budget cuts, telematics is something managers can rely on to reduce costs.”

Bob,65, retired from the position of managing director, because of ill health and relocated to Spain more than seven years ago.

Bob passed away last Saturday and leaves behind his wife Linda, his son Chris and daughter Jo.

His funeral takes place this Friday near to his home in Benissa, close to Alicante, Spain.

The eight large, distinctive square overhead signs in Cumbria are the first motorway signs anywhere in the North West that display pictures and symbols as well as words.

The signs which have been installed between Kendal and Penrith (junctions 37 to 40) as well as near Carlisle (junctions 42 and 43), have also been linked to roadside weather monitors and automatically display adverse weather warnings, using internationally recognised symbols.

Four of these signs are also being installed on the M6 and M65 in Lancashire. This week, signs will be installed in each direction on the M6, between junctions 32 and 33 (Broughton to Galgate), with a third being installed on the eastbound M65 between Junctions 2 and 3. The fourth, between Junctions 4 and 6 of the westbound M65 south east of Blackburn, is expected to be delivered in November.

Like other electronic signs across the region’s motorway network, the signs are controlled by Highways Agency Traffic Officers in the North West Regional Control Centre at Newton-le-Willows.

Highways Agency project sponsor Stephen Brown said, “Pictograms are more conspicuous to drivers at greater distances than text, providing earlier warning of hazards ahead and the internationally recognised symbols can be understood by non-English-speaking drivers.

“Keeping drivers informed is a top priority for the Highways Agency and providing real-time traffic information about road conditions and incidents will allow drivers to make informed choices during their journeys.

“These signs along with other roadside technology are connected to our National Traffic Control Centre which provides websites and the media, including 250 radio stations, with traffic information so drivers can also plan their journeys before setting off.”

The Highways Agency says events at Manchester Airport, Blackpool and the Pope’s visits to Birmingham and Glasgow are all likely to put extra traffic on the region’s motorway network.

The first of those events takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, September 1) when the world’s biggest passenger airliner, the Airbus A380, begins a scheduled service from Manchester Airport for the first time.

Manchester is the first regional airport in the world to host regular A380 flights and crowds of people are expected at the airport, which is adjacent to Junctions 5 and 6 of the M56, to watch the Emirates service touch down for the first time at around noon tomorrow.

The busy week continues on Friday (September 3) with Take That singer and international solo star Robbie Williams switching on the annual Blackpool Illuminations.

The Highways Agency is advising drivers that traffic is likely to be busy around Junction 32 of the M6, the interchange with the M55, and along the M55 itself into Blackpool as people from the region and beyond head into the resort to catch a glimpse of Robbie and this year’s lights.

The Illuminations finish this year on Sunday, November 7, and while the M6 and M55 usually cope well with traffic into Blackpool this year’s visitor flows will be monitored even more closely with the promotion of Blackpool Football Club into the Premiership.

The Tangerines’ first few home matches in the Premiership – in a newly-expanded Bloomfield Road stadium – are coinciding with the lights.

The Lancashire derby with Blackburn is on Saturday, September 25, and three big home matches with Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion will also be taking place during the Illuminations programme.

Matt Sweeting, the Highways Agency’s Regional Performance Manager for the North West, said, “We are used to planning for events and we are not anticipating major problems but traffic may be heavy around key junctions at times and our advice to drivers is to make a note of the dates and get into the habit of checking traffic conditions before they set out and leaving extra time for journeys if necessary.”

Real-time Highways Agency traffic information is available at www.highways.gov.uk, on Traffic Radio (DAB radio or the internet at www.trafficradio.org.uk) or via the Highways Agency 24-hour voice activated phone service on 08700 660 115.

The scheme, which is due to start on 6 September 2010, will see the carriageway resurfaced, bridges waterproofed, and road studs installed to improve safety.

Once this work is completed, the route should remain in good condition for many years to come.

For the safety of road users, a contraflow and 50mph speed limit will be in place while the work is carried out. The scheme is expected to take up to six weeks to complete.

Aran Nugent, the Highways Agency project sponsor, said: “The work is part of our ongoing investment in keeping our roads operating safely and reliably. The resurfacing will provide a smoother, quieter surface for road users and local people and the road studs will improve safety along this stretch of the M40. We ask that drivers take extra care when travelling through the roadworks.”

Earlier this year Transport Secretary Philip Hammond signalled an interest in using tolls to pay for future road building schemes, most of which are expected to be halted after the October spending review. However, this report shows the 27-mile toll motorway has failed to provide any significant congestion relief for the original M6 and the price, which has been increased significantly year on year, is bad value for drivers who use the toll.

Despite the toll now charging motorists £5 on weekdays, 2.5 times the initial cost, the report shows that operator Midland Expressway Ltd, a subsidiary of the international infrastructure group Macquarie, is losing tens of millions every year and has written down the value of the road to below its cost. Meanwhile, M6 congestion is now so bad that the Government is considering spending another £500m on it to deal with the problems the toll road was supposed to solve.

Richard George, Campaign for Better Transport’s Roads and Climate Campaigner, said: “The research shows that the toll road has failed to cut congestion on the original M6 and has made big losses for its operator. With Government coffers running empty, it is no surprise that politicians are looking at toll roads as a way to deliver funds for new road building projects. But our research shows that private toll roads such as the M6 Toll don’t help motorists or the surrounding area, and don’t make money for investors either.

“Instead, the Government needs to spend scarce public funds on maintaining the roads we have and giving people good alternatives to car use.”

In 2009, road users contributed nearly £50 billion to Treasury coffers”, said RHA Head of Communications, Kate Gibbs. “£32 billion of that came from fuel duty and VAT on fuel”.

“If tolling were to be introduced on strategic routes then the estimated reductions in congestion would of course be welcome. In addition, their implementation would go some way to levelling the playing field in as much as foreign operators would, at last, have to pay for the privilege of using the UK road network.

But the Treasury cannot expect to have it both ways and UK road hauliers, as an industry, cannot be expected to pay even more for keeping the UK economy moving.

“This is a case of swings and roundabouts. There must be a compromise in the form of reduced fuel duty for essential users of fuel”. If this is not achieved, tolling to lessen congestion will be nothing more than a short-term solution to a long term problem.

“If hauliers are to be expected to pay the ever escalating levels of fuel duty as well as road tolls, congestion will indeed decrease as more and more transport operations are forced off the toll roads on to other untolled, and in some cases, minor roads. The knock-on effect of increased journey times and disrupted to delivery schedules will place the providers of transport and businesses which rely on an efficient transport system in an untenable situation”.

The topics of environmental responsibility and economy have also been taken up by the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA, German Automobile Industry Association): this year, the slogan for the event is “Commercial Vehicles: Efficient, Flexible, Future-Proof.” The 250 square metres of exhibition stand lead the visitor through the three elements of Bridgestone Total Fleet Management: new tyres, retreads and services. Stars on the booth will be the new eco-friendly Ecopia tyres and retreads for trucks – holding their official premiere on the European market in Hanover.

Their appearance is supported and complemented by the service range of 2,300 Truck Point dealers and over 140 Bandag partners in Europe. Prototypes of the new Bandag retreads BDM1 and BRM1 for road and offroad use – an important branch of the industry for Bandag – will also be introduced at the IAA. Environmentally friendly and cost efficient With the slogan “A better grip on ecology and your costs,” the new Ecopia package offers fleet customers comprehensive solutions for increased environmental responsibility and efficiency: fuel-efficient, long-life Ecopia tyres and retreads, and cost-optimisation services.

With the help of these components, Bridgestone is able to offer fleet operators the lowest cost over an entire tyre life – and help them to act more responsibly towards the environment in terms of CO2 emissions reduction and the efficient use of raw materials. Ecopia truck tyres show a 12 per cent improvement in rolling resistance compared to previous Bridgestone profiles.

The vans include a mixture of Volkswagen Caddy and Caddy Maxi vans, plus a Crafter dropside, and the trial of a Transporter Shuttle minibus. They form part of the British Gas vehicle exchange programme to update its fleet of over 10,000 vehicles.

These new Volkswagen vans will be driven by British Gas engineers and energy experts across the UK who make on average 10,000 service checks a day, looking after 12 million British homes and one million businesses. British Gas also helps customers with energy savings advice as well as a large range of energy efficiency products and services, such as insulation, smart meters or solar panels.

For improved safety the vans are fitted with speed limiters and racking to help control any load if the vehicle has to brake heavily. In addition, the new livery includes high visibility chevrons on the rear doors.

Externally, the vans still feature the iconic British Gas flame, but the new livery is also designed to have more space to communicate information and features to keep customers, and potential customers, informed.

Colin Marriott, General Manager for British Gas fleet said: ‘Our on-going strategic relationship with Volkswagen is very important to our business. It enables us to provide our engineers with safe and reliable vehicles, which meet highest quality standards and offer excellent value in terms of whole life costs. ‘

Simon Elliott, Director, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said: ‘We are pleased to see that the quality, durability and cost effective running costs of Volkswagen vans have passed the formidable British Gas acceptance criteria, and above all, proud to have our vans delivering such great service to British Gas and its customers.’

The Caddy and Caddy Maxi vans are the most compact and economical models available from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with load volumes from 3.2 m³ and up to 54.3 mpg on the extra urban cycle.

Whitechapel Bridge spans the M62 between Junction 25 and 26 and carries the B6120 Whitechapel Road between Scholes and Cleckheaton. The bridge was closed on Monday 16 August for 42 weeks to allow major bridge replacement works to take place.

The demolition of the bridge is one of the first tasks to be undertaken. This will require various weekend overnight closures of the M62 between Junctions 25 and 26 in September and October. Closures will take place:

* 4 to 5 September, between 10pm and 8am, the eastbound carriageway will be closed.

* 10 to 11 September, between 10pm and 8am, the eastbound carriageway will be closed.

* 11 to 12 September, between 9pm and 9am, the east and westbound carriageway will be closed.

* 17 to 18 September, between 10pm and 8am, the east and westbound carriageway will be closed.

* 18 to 19 September, between 9pm and 9am, the east and westbound carriageway will be closed.

* 25 to 26 September, between 10pm and 8am, the westbound carriageway will be closed.

* 2 to 3 October, between 10pm and 8am, the east and westbound carriageway will be closed.

* 3 to 4 October, between 9pm to 6am, the east and westbound carriageway will be closed.

During the closures drivers are advised to plan their journey and allow extra time when travelling on the diversion routes. When the westbound carriageway is closed, traffic will be diverted through Brighouse, the eastbound diversion will be through Cleckheaton and Liversedge. The routes will be clearly signed and details can be found on the Highways Agency website www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/27497.asp

Highways Agency project manager Tim Calvert said: “Replacing a bridge across a motorway is a very difficult and complex task and inevitably will cause some inconvenience to the public. Every effort has been made to minimise the disruption, to road users and residents. All closures will take place overnight and at weekends when traffic flows are lower.”

The dates for the closures are weather dependent and drivers should check the motorway signs or the scheme website for the most up to date information. The installation of the new bridge will provisionally take place during weekend overnight closures in December and January. Further information on these closures will be provided nearer the time.

The platforms will underpin the billion-dollar Nikaitchuq Development Project in Alaska. Transporting them from Berard Transportation’s base in New Iberia, Louisiana to their shipping dock was no small feat in trailer technology to accomplish – which is why the American company called on Goldhofer for help.

The Memmingen-based experts came up with two vast self-propelling super-structures (Goldhofer modules THP/SL-E and THP/ES-E), which are designed specially for the transportation of extremely heavy equipment. Between the two structures, no fewer than 144 axles and 1,152 wheels were needed to bear the weight of the platforms.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers, the sole UK distributor of Goldhofer heavy haulage equipment in the UK and Ireland, expressed his admiration at the partnership’s solution.

“Goldhofer has always thought outside the box and risen to the challenge, however difficult,” says Collins. “That said, I’m still impressed at the sheer size and complexity of these structures.”

Like its German project-partner, Berard Transportation also has a history of devising strong solutions for awkward, heavyweight machinery – but CEO Johnny Berard admits that the prospect of transporting these oil platforms was a daunting one nonetheless.

“So many factors had to be taken into consideration for this project that it really was quite a mammoth task to take on,” says Berard. “We managed it though, thanks to the technical expertise of the designers involved.”

The Nikaitchuq Development Project is a joint venture between oil production corporations Kerr-McGee and Armstrong Oil & Gas, founded in 2004. It is located in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s North Slope.

Goldhofer is a global specialist in heavy haulage and special transportation. It provides transport solutions for everything from super-yachts to submarines, as well as plant and materials for the mining, construction, chemical and power industries.

However, the company warns against removing signage relating to speed limits and their enforcement, as this could cause a substantial increase in the number of drivers caught speeding.

A survey by RoadPilot found that 52 per cent of motorists already feel that there is insufficient signage to notify them of local speed limits, leading to greater confusion over limits, should further signage be removed.

RoadPilot’s study also found that speed cameras themselves were a distraction to drivers. More than half (53 per cent) of respondents said that their full attention was distracted from the road ahead as a result of having to look out for cameras.

James Flynn, OBE, CEO of RoadPilot commented, “While the removal of distracting street clutter is laudable, this initiative should not come at the expense of driver safety. Speed detection equipment and speed restricted areas without proper and clear warnings could, in fact, be detrimental to road safety if motorists take last-minute emergency manoeuvres on seeing a speed camera.”

“In the wake of recent announcements about some camera partnerships deactivating their cameras, the issue of speed limit signage that is clearly visible will arguably be more important than ever in order to remove confusion for motorists.

“By giving the driver advanced warning of any upcoming cameras through audio and visual alerts, speed camera detection systems such as RoadPilot Mobile allow motorists to better concentrate on the road ahead,” Flynn concluded.

RoadPilot’s extensive database of UK and international speed camera locations is available to consumers via RoadPilot Mobile – the firm’s self-built speed camera location application for GPS Smart phones – which is now compatible with all 26 Nokia GPS handsets.

It can also be accessed through the ‘combined speed camera and traffic alert’ application available as a standard feature with Nokia’s Maps 3.0 satellite navigation software on Nokia smartphones introduced in 2010.

The 13 XF105s were acquired on a five year contract hire deal through Hill Hire when a similar contract with them for the 95s came to an end. The supplying DAF dealer is Chatfields of Leeds and fleet sales manager Bob Bosco said that he is delighted to have supplied the trucks through Hill Hire to such a highly regarded operator.

Financial Director Mrs Josie Galloway, who runs the 123 year old company with her brother, Managing Director Chris Moorhouse, said that the good performance of the 95s, particularly on fuel, made the 105 a natural successor.

“The DAF 95s proved very reliable and were liked by our drivers,” she said. “With the new added features of the XF105 version they are even more satisfied and having satisfied drivers behind the wheel is very important to us as a company. If the drivers are happy it goes a long way to ensuring that the customers are happy.”

Mrs Galloway added that the company had also found the arrangement with Hill Hire to be very successful. “It has given us good visibility over our costs throughout the five year period, which helps with the financial management of the business. Hill Hire also take care of all the routine inspection and servicing issues in a way that ensures we have optimum availability of the trucks at all times.”

The new DAFs are mid-lift axle FTG models featuring the 12.9 litre DAF MX engine rated at 460 bhp (340 kW). This is 30 horsepower more than the 12.6 litre XE315C engine in the 95s, but the MX is more fuel efficient and Euro 5 compliant so should be cleaner too as well as delivering an element of ‘future proofing’ to meet the requirements of operating in the London LEZ or others that may follow.

Moorhouse has again opted for the AS-tronic automated transmission following good experience in the 95s. Chris Moorhouse says that this transmission has proved itself over the 500,000 kilometres that each of the 95s has covered,

“It’s contributed to good and consistent fuel economy, has proved trouble free and removed the issue of clutch changes and other related maintenance issues. I’m confident that automatics must also support safer driving, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road and traffic ahead without having to think about gear changing.”

The new trucks are Space Cab models featuring a full air management kit, large fuel tank and a sliding fifth wheel. The trucks were delivered to Hill Hire in white and have been fully vinyl wrapped in a more contemporary version of Moorhouse’s traditional red livery with white lining.

“We went for this fresh approach rather than conventional painting as a way of showing that whilst we are long-established, we’re a progressive company,” explains Josie Galloway. “It may also make it easier to revert back to a plain white colour at the end of the contract hire period without the need for a respray, which could help towards better residual values.”

Moorhouse will use the trucks on their general haulage operations throughout the UK covering around 100,000 kms a year. They’ll normally run with tri-axle curtainsider trailers carrying a range of products for blue-chip customers in the construction materials, foodstuffs and electrical industries.

“We have worked with Chatfields of Leeds and Tom Moorhouse & Son Ltd for a number of years,” explained Adam Fairbotham, Operations Director of Hill Hire. “It is a great achievement for us to win this repeat business with a company like Tom Moorhouse & Son. We feel that the combination of the high specification vehicles from DAF, coupled with our excellent service and maintenance offering provides the best all-round solution for our customers.”

At the same time, the safety barrier will be replaced, drains will be repaired, and the Sedgemoor Service Area exit slip road will be resurfaced.

The work will start on Monday, 6 September and is due to be completed by Friday, 8 October. It will take place overnight, between 7pm and 7am each night, when traffic flows are lower.

There will be lane closures and 50 mph speed restrictions while the work is carried out, and some overnight slip road closures and diversions will be necessary.

Sean Walsh, Highways Agency project manager said: “The present road surface is coming to the end of its life and we need to ensure the carriageway is maintained in good condition. This work will improve safety for road users as well as providing a quieter and smoother road surface.

“The Highways Agency is committed to minimising delays when carrying out road improvements. Drivers are requested to proceed with care through the works area and pay full attention to any traffic cones and temporary signs that will be in place, as well as allowing slightly more time for journeys.”

The stand design is inspired by the renowned scientist, inventor, artist and sculptor, Leonardo de Vinci – with the centre of the stand featuring a depiction of Vitruvian Man.

Staff across the 2,700 m2 stand will also be using the latest iPad technology to help convey information about Iveco’s extensive vehicle range to visitors from around the world.

The theme of the company’s stand will be “Driving innovation to reality” – a statement that signifies the fact that in recent years some of the most important technological innovations made by Iveco – such as electric vehicle and hybrid drive technology – have become commercially available. As a further testament to this, many of these vehicles now bear the livery of major Iveco customers who use them across Europe in a diverse array of applications.

The Iveco stand will be split into three sections: urban, medium & long distance and off-road. In the urban section four EcoDaily light commercials in different variants will be exhibited, including a zero-emission EcoDaily Electric van. Additionally, Irisbus, Iveco’s bus and coach division will be displaying a 12 metre series hybrid Citelis bus which uses a diesel engine to drive an electric generator working with batteries to drive the vehicle. This Citelis is capable of reducing emissions by up to 30 per cent and contributing significantly to improving air quality in cities.

The medium and long distance section will be devoted to the Stralis, Iveco’s flagship, which will be shown in multiple configurations to highlight its versatility. Taking pride of place on display will be a new enhanced productivity version of the Stralis, which will be enjoying its world premiere. It has been designed to make a major contribution to the sustainability of road transport and is technologically advanced – helping to optimise performance, reduce fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions to a minimum.

Amongst the vehicles on show in the off-road area will be an example of the Trakker, which is popular in quarries and construction sites all over the world. It will be joined by the Light Multirole Vehicle (LMV), which Iveco has designed for tactical military applications and peacekeeping missions.

In keeping with the company’s theme “Driving Innovation to Reality”, and developed in collaboration with the Fiat Research Centre, Iveco will display the Iveco Glider, a technology platform which explores the boundaries of excellence in productivity and environmental impact.

Iveco will also be demonstrating its innovative Blue & Me Fleet system, which is built on a Fiat-Microsoft platform and developed in partnership with Qualcomm, global leader in web-based solutions for managing vehicle fleets.

A prominent place on the stand has also been reserved to highlight Iveco’s international sponsorship programmes and key customers: from Ferrari to the Fiat Yamaha Team and from Coca-Cola to the Italian Civil Protection service.

An external display area will see eight Iveco vehicles on show, including a fire appliance, equipped with a telescopic 32m turntable ladder, manufactured by Iveco Magirus, together with a natural-gas powered Stralis. Also being exhibited is an example of the Leoncino, a medium-range truck based on a Chinese vehicle platform. This vehicle carries the name of a famous truck produced from 1950 to 1968 by Officine Meccaniche OM of Brescia, which later became one of the founders of Iveco. The Leoncino will be sold from next year in overseas markets outside Europe.

The Transport and Operations Update is a one-day mix of seminars and round table workshops to provide Transport and Operations Managers with the tools to promote best practice to meet forthcoming major changes in legislation affecting the UK industry.

The Update will be facilitated by industry experts, including specialists from HMRC, VOSA and the HSE and this year topics will include issues relating to biodiesel and bioethanol: cross contamination of road and rebated fuels; dangerous goods enforcement; process safety; ‘O’ licence and legal compliance, plus some hair raising tales of refuelling in a war zone from Major Cal Wade that will make normal, civilian deliveries seem reassuringly mundane. Even in the winter conditions last year.

Held for the first time in 2009, the event was very successful and over 50 representatives of FPS member companies gathered to get a day-long lowdown on tanker law enforcement, changes in ADR, biofuel problems and other industry issues.

FPS Chief Executive Susan Hancock comments: “This year’s conference programme will provide up to the minute information, best practice and solutions and will equip delegates with the tools and techniques to make their business a safer, healthier and more competitive operation. We held the event for the first time last year and due to its great success and calls from members we have decided to undertake another event and hope that this year’s topics will be as interesting and valuable to the delegates.”

Adrian Johnstone set up TransAction International Ltd in September 1985 with three members of staff working in a portable cabin.

Now the company has a £2million turnover, employs 35 people, runs 15 vehicles and operates from a 30,000 sq ft warehouse in Crendon Industrial Area, Buckinghamshire.

It is also a founding member of the hugely successful award-winning Palletforce Plc, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network, with Adrian sitting on the network’s board as a non-executive member.

“A former boss said we would go bust by our first VAT return date but we must have done something right,” said Adrian, managing director of the company.

Adrian, 55, set up the company with a business colleague – who has since left the firm – he met during his 12 years in the transport industry before founding TransAction International.

It is now a full trading member of the Road Haulage Association (RHA), United Kingdom Warehousing Association (UKWA) and the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

The company has twice been awarded the BIFA Freight Service ‘Logistics Distribution’ Award which is awarded solely on the basis of customer endorsement.

They specialise in warehouse distribution and freight forwarding and transport goods across the world via road, air and sea freight.

“Without a doubt becoming a shareholder member of Palletforce is one of the best decisions I have ever made,” said Adrian.

“The business model that Palletforce has is brilliant, the fact that we all own the company means we’re more service orientated than our competitors.”

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive Officer of Palletforce, said: “Congratulations to Adrian and all the staff at TransAction International for hitting the 25-year milestone.

“They have been involved with Palletforce since the very beginning and we are proud to have them as a member of our network.

“We wish them continued success for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Adrian originally wanted to work as a draughtsman, but after a few unsuccessful interviews someone suggested he consider working in the freight industry.

In 1973 he landed a job with air freight company Pandair based at Heathrow Airport.

Two weeks later he was offered an apprenticeship as a map draughtsman, but turned it down as they were only offering £600 a year compared to Pandair’s £800.

In 1977 he moved on to Cavewood in High Wycombe where he worked his way up to middle management.

He stayed there until 1983 before moving to another company with the opportunity to set up a fresh division.

Two years later he set up TransAction International. “The key to our longevity is flexibility,” said Adrian.

“I’ve always tried to keep my options open and that may be the reason we have not made millions, but we’ve been able to take advantage of opportunities as they come along and that has allowed us to react and keep ahead of the game.

“We’ve been through difficult times like most businesses but we’re very lucky that we have a good team and exceptional, dedicated staff.

“In terms of the future, rather than chasing the next dream I’ve taken the opportunity to secure the future here so that for the next 15 years we have an operating base that cannot be taken away from us.”

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles and Transport Secretary Philip Hammond are concerned that the character of the country’s urban spaces is being damaged and have written to councils leaders calling on them to reduce the number of signs and other ‘street clutter’.

The Government believes that in some cases traffic signs and railings are installed by councils in the mistaken belief that they are legally required. However, although some signs are required by law, Government advice is that for signs to be most effective they should be kept to a minimum. To help councils do this the Department for Transport is reviewing traffic signs policy and new advice on how to reduce clutter will be published later this year.

Ministers want communities to inform local authorities of particularly bad examples of clutter as part of the Big Society in action. Organisations who promote good urban design like Civic Voice, Living Streets and fixmystreet.com are already helping people alert councils to examples of clutter and showing people how to carry out street audits.

The work is being carried out north of Church Stretton on the stretch of the A49 between the B4371 junction and the A5/A49 island at Bayston Hill.

The resurfacing will be carried out in both directions and once complete, it will improve safety for road users and provide a quieter road surface which will benefit nearby residents.

During the first four days of the scheme, work will be carried between 10.00.am and 3.00pm. During this time, one lane will be closed and temporary traffic signals in place.

The remaining work will be carried out overnight between 8.00pm and 6.00am to reduce the impact on road users. During this work, the A49 will be closed for two nights, and a fully signposted diversion route will be in place.

The illegal operation with the capacity to produce up to 1.5 million litres of illicit fuel a year, evading almost £1 million of revenue, has been dismantled by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) officers.

HMRC assisted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), seized 10,000 litres of laundered green diesel, vehicles, storage tanks and laundering equipment following a raid yesterday morning (Tuesday).

As part of the clean up operation HMRC removed the residue of the laundering process; over 1,000 litres of toxic waste.

Mike Connolly, Assistant Director, HMRC Specialist Investigations, said: “Fuel laundering is unregulated and dangerous. The by-products from the laundering process can cause severe damage to the environment with taxpayers and local ratepayers having to pay for the clean up and disposal costs. This contaminated fuel could have been transported anywhere across Northern Ireland endangering other road users.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in the Organised Crime Task Force (OCTF), including the PSNI to stop the damage this criminal activity causes, both to our communities, to local businesses and the environment.”

The 15-tonne Atego 1524 Environmental Protection Unit was delivered to Strathclyde Fire & Rescue Service by Bellshill dealer Western Commercial and is purpose-designed to assist at CBRN – Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear – incidents.

Its bespoke body is by Cebotec, of Falkirk, and split into two compartments: one is a state-of-the-art laboratory kitted out with an array of high-tech instruments and computers; the other serves as a command and communications centre. Both are also equipped with internal and external CCTV cameras.

Robert Brown, Technical Support & Logistics Manager for the Strathclyde Service, explained: “We employ a team of scientists who support fire crews attending chemical and environmental incidents, and this vehicle allows them to carry out their vital work at the scene.

“The fact that they are able to perform their tests and analysis without having to return to base, and report directly to the incident commander on the ground, can save crucial time when dealing with potentially dangerous situations.”

He continued: “As a 15-tonner our new Mercedes-Benz Atego is lighter and more manoeuvrable than the 18-tonne truck it has replaced. It was also less expensive to buy and will be more economical to run than another 18-tonner, while the fact that it has a smaller ‘footprint’ means it is kinder to the environment too.”

The appliance is based at Strathclyde Fire Service HQ in Hamilton, from where it is detailed to attend incidents in its own region and, if necessary, across Scotland.

Strathclyde Fire Service also runs several other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including another two 15-tonne Atego used as community fire safety units, and some specialised 7.5-tonne Vario light fire tenders.

“So we know from experience that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are extremely reliable,” added Mr Brown, “while the support we receive from the manufacturer and Western Commercial is first class too.”

Michael Conroy, Chief Executive Officer of Palletforce PLC, has been awarded a prestigious fellowship from The Chartered Institute of Logistics.

He was appointed CEO at Palletforce, the UK’s leading palletised distribution network, two years ago and has overseen the major growth and development of the network.

Despite a crippling recession Palletforce has grown and developed rapidly, including the opening of one of Europe’s largest distribution hubs to the tune of £30million in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

Throughout this expansion period Michael has been at the forefront, leading with the inspiration and energy he has built up a reputation for.

“I am very proud to receive this fellowship,” said Michael.

“This honour will reinforce Palletforce and the network’s reputation for excellence and commitment to the highest standards.

“I will continue to strive for innovation across the network to ensure Palletforce is a driving force for the future.”

To be a chartered fellow of the CILT (UK) you need to have at least seven years experience in a high responsibility position in the management of logistics and transport.

Michael more than fits the bill after spending the last two decades at the heart of commercial success stories for some of the world’s leading logistics and transport companies – having worked in leadership roles with TNT, UPS and Parceline.

One of his greatest achievements was being part of a successful management buy-out team that turned overnight parcels firm ANC Group from making a loss of £14million to making a £9million profit in just five years.

In 2006 the healthy business was sold to FedEx for £120million, and Michael remained as Managing Director of FedEx SCS.

Since coming to Palletforce in 2008 Michael has encouraged the company to strive for excellence, gaining three international quality standards ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001 and ISO 14001 and a coveted RoSPA Gold Award from The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

He has acted boldly to keep the company at the heart of technology and innovations which have improved health and safety and efficiency – covering everything from unique forklift truck scanning systems to specialist double deck trailer designs.

Kevin Shoemake from The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, said: “As the chartered body for all logistics and transport professionals, we are delighted that Michael has met the criteria to become a Chartered Fellow which is the institute’s most eminent membership grade and the benchmark of professional excellence within the sector.”

The 14 week scheme is being carried out by the Highways Agency to reduce congestion at junction 12 of the M5. All works will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am.

The project will increase capacity by adding lanes to the busiest parts of the junction – including new dedicated lanes, north and southbound, between the M5 and Gloucester. This will improve the flows of motorway traffic.

Other work taking place includes the installation of traffic signals which will help to balance the flow between traffic exiting the motorway and other traffic using the roundabout.

Mark Arberry , project manager at the Highways Agency said: “Peak time congestion is a real problem for drivers on this busy section of road. The work we are doing will increase the capacity of the junction, improve traffic flow and reduce the safety risk of traffic queuing back on to the M5 main carriageway.

“We have planned every section of this project carefully to keep delays to road users to an absolute minimum. Throughout the work, there will be no reduction in the number of lanes available to road users during the day but the junction will be closed between 8pm and 6am each night with a diversion in place.”

Interim measures to help prevent traffic queueing back on to the M5 were implemented at the junction in 2006, when the exit slip roads were extended by converting the hard shoulder to an auxiliary lane and queue activated warning signs were placed beside the main carriageway. Since then traffic flows around the junction have increased, particularly from new development.

The Highways Agency has worked closely with Gloucestershire County Council to ensure the new design meets the needs of the area.

Cllr Stan Waddington, Gloucestershire County Council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “People using this busy motorway junction have been telling us for some time that improvements need to be made.

“I am pleased that this work is about to start and I believe when finished it will greatly improve links in and out of Gloucester, which can only serve to encourage tourism and business.

“Gloucestershire County Council fully supports this scheme and we’ve worked with the Highways Agency to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum while this essential work is carried out.”

Work will start overnight on September 6 and will continue each night for 14 weeks.

The strict Euro 6 emissions standards, which come into force at the beginning of 2013, demand that truck engines use more complex exhaust gas treatment technology. Catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, particulate filters and larger cooling systems will all greatly increase the load over the front axle.

To combat these greater load pressures, Continental has increased the load rating of the XL tyre by two load indexes or around 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds) of weight per single tyre axle.

Newly designed steel-cord beads made from special high strength steel and a revised casing structure allows the forces caused by the additional weight and increased temperatures to be absorbed in the most effective way. The tread compound, which runs cooler thanks to the specially developed material composition, also guarantees a very low rolling resistance even when heavily loaded.

In addition to being important for forthcoming truck design, the newly developed long distance tyre HSL 2 ECO-PLUS XL, is an important innovation in vehicles where the load over the front axle is higher. This includes, for example, car transporters, tankers and mixers as well as vehicles carrying containers and swap-bodies. These applications currently account for a fifth of all long distance road traffic and the weight distribution characteristics of the truck and trailer place a particular burden on the steering axle tyres.

The new Continental long distance tyres have an ideal configuration combining increased load rating, economy and comfort with the particularly low fuel consumption characteristics of the new second tyre generation.

The HSL 2 ECO PLUS XL is the first tyre from the second generation to have an upgraded load index and is available in sizes 315/70 R 22.5 for standard applications with a maximum axle load of 8 tonnes and 315/60 R.22.5 for volume-optimized vehicles with an axle load of 7.5 tonnes.