The rise of ATFs (Authorised Test Facilities) is witnessing greatly increased spending on top-of-the-range garage equipment. Steve Banner looks at what's available – and what makes sense where
Diagnostic Equipment
As vehicles sophistication continues to mushroom, apprentices and time-served technicians alike need new engineering skills – mechanical, electrical, electronic and bodywork. John Challen and Brian Tinham report
Apprenticeships
Knowing the weight at which your vans and trucks run seems a blindingly obvious necessity, not just a sensible choice. Robin Dickeson looks at the equipment and the arguments
Weighing Equipment
Isle of Man steel fabricator Wilson & Collins has taken delivery of a new 5-tonne Isuzu N50.150 rigid truck to deliver products and equipment around the island.
Senior traffic commissioner Beverley Bell (pictured) is publishing revised statutory guidance documents this week, which include the standards that haulage, and bus and coach operators are expected to follow.
Standards & Practices
Operator licence holders must be transparent in all their dealings with regulators or they will be dealt with "robustly". That's the warning from Sarah Bell (pictured), traffic commissioner for the Eastern traffic area.
VOSA Prohibitions
A Johnston & Sons has had its HGV licence curtailed by the region's deputy traffic commissioner, after she concluded that its director had "no real insight" into his responsibilities as an operator.
Road Legal
With 50% of light goods vehicles (vans) failing their MOTs every year, it is clear that things have to change. So says VOSA (the Vehicle and Operator Ser4vices Agency), in launching its Van Best Practice Guide.
VOSA Prohibitions
Schwartz, the UK's best-known herbs and spices brand, has taken delivery of 232 Citroën Berlingo crew vans – one of the largest orders ever placed for the model.
Car Derived Vans
Ford has launched a high-roof version of the Transit Custom van which offers 20% greater load volume and comes in short- and long-wheelbase versions, with a range of weight and powertrain options.
Panel Vans
Tesco has taken delivery of 28 new Volvo FM11 410 4x2 tractor units for its Belfast and Antrim, Northern Ireland, distribution centres.
Tractor Units
Brit-Tipp is celebrating 30 years as a UK commercial vehicle body builder and says it is "continuing to refine its manufacturing knowledge and experience to maintain its position in the market".
Tippers