Peter Shakespeare

Features

Working at height on tankers and car transporters

Recent guidance published by the International Tank Container Organisation (ITCO) serves as a reminder to an enduring safety issue… working at height on the top of heavy goods vehicles. Peter...

Health & Safety Legislation
Features

Vehicle fault troubleshooting: independent thinking

Every OEM will have its own diagnostics laptop offering, which may be an essential buy for franchised dealers. But third-party systems that cover multiple engine and system brands are also available....

Diagnostic Equipment
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Better brake behaviour at the annual test

Given the weight and nature of the loads HGVs carry – not to mention people in the case of PSVs – their anchors should be 100% serviceable, all of the time. MOT data reveals a darker but improving...

VOSA Prohibitions
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Are coaches an emissions zone CAZualty?

The spread of clean air zones has begun to have an impact on the used coach market. Approved retrofit emissions systems exist for only four engine types. CAZs are forcing medium-sized coach operators...

Road Legal
Features

Workshop equipment: Linked lanes

Maintaining roadworthiness through the MOT has proven problematic for the DVSA. It is now turning to technology to improve standards and compliance, finds Peter Shakespeare

Workshop
Features

Parts and the aftermarket: User testing

In today’s increasingly technology-led industry, can a case be made for fleet operators to conduct their own comparative testing of consumable components? By Peter Shakespeare

Tyres & Retreads
Features

Axle loading: pusher vs mid-lifts

The choice of lifting axles on tractor units keeps on increasing. Peter Shakespeare considers the operational experience of using tags, lightweights and mid-lifts

Axles
Features

Enforcement: Doing the right thing

Gaining and retaining a commercial vehicle operating licence revolves around repute, fitness and whether you have the traffic commissioners’ trust. By Peter Shakespeare

Operator Compliance Risk Score
Features

Tippers - Bending the rules

There are numerous reasons why the construction industry and aggregate hauliers should and could make more use of articulated tipping vehicles, instead of rigids. So why don’t they? Peter Shakespeare...

Truck Rollovers
Features

Fuels and lubricants : Buyer beware

VLS warns that CO2 emission reductions could end up invalidating warranty claims made by garages, reports Peter Shakespeare

Lubricants & Systems
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Load security: Clamp down

Enforcement authorities are working to revise guidance on load security, and are peering inside trailer curtains with increasing frequency. Peter Shakespeare reports on the latest moves to clamp down...

Road Legal
Features

Finance and leasing: short-term success?

What is the best way to finance a commercial vehicle for short-term use? Peter Shakespeare looks at some options

Finance & Leasing