Accidents in the workshop are mostly avoidable, if appropriate steps are taken that match well known health and safety procedures. Andrew Woolfall examines the issues and provides advice
Health & Safety Legislation
With the DfT's 10-year trial of longer semi-trailers now well underway, Brian Tinham talks to manufacturers, operators and repairers about choices and experiences to date
Longer Semi-Trailers
Until now, start-stop systems on European commercial vehicles have been restricted to those with smaller-displacement diesels. But Cummins Generator Technologies' ISG could soon change all that, says Brian Weatherley
Engines & Engine Parts
As we go to press, the transport industry's verdict on last month's budget is best expressed as 'could have done so much better'. Yes, it may well have been a budget for the 'doers, makers and savers', as the chancellor put it, but there wasn't much for hard-pressed transport operators wrestling with a fragile economic recovery.
Alternative FuelsFormer Iveco boss Chris Thornycroft-Smith has been appointed non-executive director at fast-growing transport bio-LNG and LNG (liquefied natural gas) manufacturer and supplier Gasrec. He brings more than 40 years' experience in the transport sectors, not only with Iveco in the UK and Eire, but also previously Leyland DAF and more recently the FTA (Freight Transport Association) and Modec Electric.
People
IRTE member Kevin Fyfe, a technician with Mercedes-Benz, Tankersley, South Yorkshire, has won the Majorlift Hydraulic Equipment competition which ran in Transport Engineer magazine.
Lifting Equipment
A new service aimed at helping truck, bus and coach fleets to reduce fuel consumption will make its Commercial Vehicle Show debut later this month at the NEC.
Tyres & Retreads
Coach tour operator Parrys International has extended its fleet with three Neoplan Starliner 2 P12 coaches.
Bus & Coach
A UK haulier is opposing the views of the rest of his sector, saying the argument for charging foreign HGVs to use UK roads is "nonsense" and that British consumers and manufacturers will ultimately foot the bill.
Fleet Operating Costs
Logistics business City Link has placed two orders with commercial fleet services company Fraikin for 85 single-deck and 86 double-decker trailers.
Trailers
Irish operator Noone Transport has taken delivery of five S.KO Cool mono-temperature reefers, extending its trailer fleet to 55.
Temperature Controlled Vehicles
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has updated its ATA Roadside accreditation to include a greater focus on safety when working at the roadside.
Maintenance