Vehicle monitoring systems stitch together the perspectives of multiple cameras into one single artificial overhead view, simplifying the driver’s job of monitoring nearby collision hazards. Steve Banner investigates
Road Safety
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Health & Safety Legislation
On-board diagnostic technologies enable truck maintenance to begin long before the truck rolls into the workshop, reports Steve Banner
Fleet Management Systems
In addition to extending the hours of dealer workshops, a recent trend in maintenance is to bring the garage to the van, in the form of mobile servicing set up on a convenient forecourt or car park. Doing so can reduce fleet downtime, reports Dan Gilkes
Fleet Operating Costs
It has been 13 years since Transport Research Laboratory evaluated the use of a truck simulator for training drivers in safe and fuel-efficient driving. Kevin Swallow assesses how well this great leap has worked out
Road Safety
For some years, the government has been supporting efforts to develop low-carbon transport fuels. The good news is that there are now several credible alternatives; the bad news is that none of them is perfect. Peter Shakespeare reports
Alternative Fuels
Two truck fleets test-drive a simple, low-cost tool that improves drivers’ direct vision of the truck near side. Will Dalrymple speaks to them
Aerodynamics
Tanker operator Johnston Fuels says it is “delighted” with the Mercedes-Benz Uptime system, specified on its latest vehicle, declaring it to be “breakthrough” technology for keeping vehicles on the road.
Fleet Management Systems
One of my favourite bits of the 1985 film ‘Back to the Future’ – which I watched again recently – was at the end of the film, when Doc Brown returns to take Marty McFly into the future. Before setting off, he refuels his modded DeLorean not with stolen plutonium, but with rubbish, including a banana peel.
Alternative Fuels
In 30 years’ time, when London and others have restricted city centre roads to only low- or zero-emissions trucks to improve air quality, advances in IT connectivity and automation will have transformed trucks anyway, according to predictions by truck OEMs and component providers. Operational efficiency gains are the main benefit. Will Dalrymple reports
Telematics
Barry-based plant hire firm SWR (Wales) has failed in its bid to have a vehicle returned after it was impounded for illegal operation.
Standards & PracticesSix of the UK’s major fleet operators are about to road test the latest gas-powered HGVs.
Alternative Fuels