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
United Utilities has taken delivery of a low height Volvo FM-460 drawbar tanker, after an extensive specification exercise including the use of a full-size Styrofoam model of the cab.
Heavy Goods Vehicles
Arriva North West has taken delivery of nine Mellor Strata Low Floor buses, with the smaller vehicle chosen for its capacity on short distance routes around Macclesfield and Winsford.
Bus & Coach
The owner of a pallet firm will be disqualified from running vehicles and lose his transport licence from 11 August, after he was found to have been “self-serving” and showed continued ignorance of his duties.
Driver CPC
Roofing business Proteus Waterproofing has taken delivery of its first fleet vehicle, a Renault Range C rear-steer rigid, citing the dealer’s service and ability to customise the truck’s specification, including a bespoke load-securing system.
Rigids