Haulage News & Transport News

Do you often find your journey disrupted by the annoyance of potholes in the roads? The Transport Select Committee is investigating potholes across the UK’s road network, researching as to whether there is a permanent solution for the country’s currently increasing concerns which funding for roads would be better invested in.

The government have recently updated their disabled parking scheme, meaning those with “hidden disabilities” such as mental health conditions will now be able to access disabled parking spaces if they apply for a blue badge. While some consider this a progressive step for those with mental disabilities, others are concerned it will decrease the amount of spaces available for those who are physically disabled.

On Tuesday 24 July, MPs in the House of Commons often repeated ‘no deal is better than a bad deal’ while discussing the terms of Brexit.
However, where those of the RHA (Road Haulage Association) are concerned, which now consists of over 7000 members, this could prove to be problematic for the haulage industry. The RHA’s members represent almost 50% of the UK’s 496,000 HGV drivers, as well as the UK haulage industry as a whole, while Brexit talks continue, they explain that the concept of a Brexit without a trade deal could be a catastrophe for UK trade as a whole.  

DHL’s “Mission 2050: Zero Emissions” initiatives are now underway, set to build towards a better tomorrow for the environment while working within the logistics industry. While these seemingly impossible targets to be met, DHL hope to complete the objective of disposing of logistics-related emissions entirely.

The Met Office have issued a warning for scorching heat causing travel chaos as well as thunderstorms expected which could break the UK’s current heatwave. Temperatures could exceed the highest recorded in the UK which is currently 38.5C which was recorded in Kent in 2003.

Following the resignation of both the Secretary of Brexit and the Foreign Secretary, the new cabinet members have met for the first time to discuss the Brexit strategy, with many MPs believing that this has left the government in crisis. This has massively increased concern for members of the trade industry, while confidence was dwindling for Brexit, MPs and executives alike now feel concerned for the future of the country. With no sign of a secure trade deal in sight.

The Prime Minister has been issued a warning that many firms are starting to lose their trust and patience with the lack of information being given on Brexit

Local residents in a historic village within Suffolk have found themselves in an annoyance regarding a HGV limit set to be put in place to stop lorries travelling through this route. Suffolk County Council approved a limit of 7.5 tonnes on Water Lane in Lavenham in 2017, but with no action taken, villagers are demanding for a faster response. 

During last week DVSA pledged to recruiting further MOT testers to settle the widely discussed shortfall following pressure from industry groups and operators who forced officials to take action.

When Britain leaves the EU on the 29th of March 2019, if no deal has been reached this could bring hauliers from the UK travelling to Europe the day after to a complete standstill according to James Hookham, the deputy chief executive of the FTA (Freight Transport Association).

Publishing a national survey, the Department for Transport has revealed the level of overnight demand for truck parking in the UK and compared it with the amount of spaces available.

Rupert Stalder, Audi CEO was taken under arrest early on Monday morning while in Germany. This is following concerns that he was hiding evidence on the firm’s emissions test cheating controversy. Audi are a manufacturing wing of Volkswagen and have been cautiously involved in a case regarding their vehicles’ emission levels, which are significantly higher levels being emitted from their vehicles rather than other models.

RHA chief Richard Burnett expressed his disappointment in the government’s approach which he referred to as “chaotic” towards urban air quality control, which was discussed during the Microlise Transport Conference in May.

With the advancements in technology, transport is changing faster every day. Following the last few decades of innovation, the last few years has paved the way for the future with the creative approach towards electrical or self-driving vehicles, one of the biggest examples of this was Tesla’s new, fully electrical HGV model unveiled which can jump from 0MPH to 50MPH in an absurdly short time.

Many have expressed concern with the increased level of lorry break-ins throughout France and Spain, some drivers facing the penalties when crossing borders. The Road Haulage Association’s Managing Director of Policy and Public affairs, Rod McKenzie, appeared on BBC2 last week discussing the matter. Researchers found that following the closure of Calais the migrant crisis has spread along the coastlines of France and Spain.

Say hello to the FUSO eCANTER, this is the world’s first production ready fully electrical HGV on the roads. Developed by Daimler Trucks the vehicle is set to be mass-produced and ready for public use by 2020. The vehicle’s price is currently unknown, but it will come with a 5 year warranty and be charged up to 80% in an hour with a rapid charger

The government have set forward changes on a motorway in Kent that should hugely benefit lorry drivers that use the road, who often face heavy traffic on the motorway causing delays for up to 30 miles. Operation Stack is in action on closed sections of the M20, this is where HGV vehicles can park up if there are heavy delays while attempting to cross the channel.

A confused.com fuel price index revealed the average rate of fuel increased by 0.9 3 in merely 7 days, meaning it costs around 124.4p per litre. Diesel received the biggest hike of all, with the average cost rising by 1p at 127p per litre.

If you’re a lorry driver trying to survive the capital this is the ultimate guide for you with some advice on how to stay safe, secure and on the appropriate routes in the big city. London is the financial heart of the UK, with so many warehouses, traders and firms spread across 45 miles if you include Greater London.

Regarding the Northern Ireland border it has been agreed that the UK and EU need to end talks on the issue by June, as stated by Michel Barnier who is the EU’s chief negotiator.

We all want clean air, low pollution and low emission zones nut at what price to business?
HGV drivers unite to write a letter to Chris Grayling, The secretary of Transport, stating that HGV drivers need support as Clean Air Zones increase.

Should a new driving exam be introduced for 'Driver-less' drivers?

Following an Uber crash in Arizona discussions are taking place to decide if a new driving test is necessary so that all drivers are able to 'take back control' in such an event.