Collecting billions of highly accurate measurements in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional survey techniques the resulting 3D models will be compared to the digital road design and will be used as a base line record against, which future surveys can be compared.

Opened on the 28th May 2010 the 41 kilometre M7 Portlaoise to Castletown and M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill section was the last to open and completes the Dublin to Cork interurban route.

“StreetMapper appeared to be the only logical way to complete such a large survey in a timely and cost effective way,” commented Mark Hudson, Director and co-founder of Coastway.

“In all, the actual time in the field amounted to little more than a day during which some 2 billion points were measured. The StreetMapper data was easily tied into our existing work flow which, despite the large volume of data collected, made processing relatively easy.”

Using StreetMapper and working on behalf of the Portlaoise Joint Venture, Coastway mobile mapped both carriageways on each side of the newly constructed motorway, including slip roads, recording as built road levels, utilities and structures. A combination of the StreetMapper data and GPS was used to create a 3D model of the road surface from which cross sections were generated at intervals of 10 metres for comparison with the design at the corresponding chainage. Additional control points along the route were used to tie the StreetMapper data to the site grid contributing to an absolute vertical accuracy of better than 10 millimetres.

The resulting models can also be used as a base line against which subsequent surveys can be compared to check for deformation or deterioration of the road surface, asset management, redesign, bridge clearance, route planning and road marking and signage.

“Simply put, it is not possible to carry out such a comprehensive and accurate survey of a large site like this using traditional techniques alone,” concluded Hudson.

StreetMapper 360, which is a joint development between UK based 3D Laser Mapping and Germany based guidance and navigation specialist IGI, has been specifically designed for the rapid 3D mapping of highways, runways, railways, infrastructure and buildings. Using vehicle-mounted Riegl VQ-250 lasers offering a 360-degree field of view, StreetMapper enables high precision mapping to a range of 300 metres, a capacity of 300,000 measurements per second per sensor and recorded accuracies in real world trials of better than 10 millimetres.

During four days, over 250 nationally-qualified professionals from 15 countries took theoretical and practical tests focused on driver safety skills including maneuvering, safe loading and securing, eco-driving and first aid.

This event effectively demonstrated the need for road transport professional training for all drivers to increase road safety worldwide. Each participant received an IRU Academy-UICR diploma and became ambassador of road safety and champion of the road.

Every two years the UICR organises a world championship in safety driving for trucks and buses. In order to become a world champion various theoretical and practical tasks have to be solved with as few errors as possible.

The aim of the World Cup is the training of professional drivers in safety driving, economic driving and cargo securing.

The UICR believes that trained drivers have better opportunities in professional life and improve the general road safety significantly. To participate at the UICR world championship drivers must regularly pass national championships.

Bio-DME is highly exciting as a biofuel since it produces no less than 95 per cent lower emissions of carbon dioxide compared with diesel.

“For a new fuel to have a chance of survival, it needs production, distribution and suitably modified vehicles. Now we have all three pieces of the puzzle in place in a complete, entirely unique field test,” says Volvo Trucks’ Environmental Director Lars Mårtensson.

The field test will take place over a two-year period and its aim is to demonstrate the potential for large-scale investment in DME produced from biomass. The project encompasses the entire technical chain from biomass to fuel, i.e. distribution, filling stations, trucks and haulage firms.

This event offers the opportunity to showcase various initiatives in Member States and unveil the results of the European pilot project LABEL to provide truckers with reliable information about the security and comfort levels of available parking areas.

Safe and secure rest areas are essential to truck drivers who must under the EU regulation for driving times and for road safety reasons take regular breaks.

However, the freight transport industry and the social partners have flagged up both the lack of adequate parking facilities and the problem of criminals targeting their trucks at parking areas.

This has led to several European-wide initiatives to boost and coordinate efforts at local and national level to provide truck drivers with secure and comfortable rest areas. It has also led the launch of the LABEL project co-funded by the budget of the European Union

LABEL’s operational group is developing a framework for the provision of reliable information about the security and comfort level of truck parking areas. The results of the project will be presented at the conference.

During its presidency, Belgium wishes to emphasise the need for continued efforts of Member States to provide truck drivers with safe and secure rest areas. The conference will contribute to this goal by bringing together all the stakeholders not only to take stock of European initiatives but also to come up with further concrete measures that Member States could take. It is only by working together in a truly multidisciplinary approach that freight crime can be successfully tackled.

Figures released by Continental suggest that the truck tyre replacement market in Europe is up almost 30 per cent year on year, while the UK market is showing an improvement of almost six per cent.

On a negative note, the company says that the cost of raw materials is increasing, and that price rises in the short term are inevitable.

Established by the Freight Transport Association as a response to industry’s need to improve the profile of logistics practices in the Republic of Ireland, FTA Ireland will give the Irish logistics industry a new opportunity to present their combined views on transport policy.

McKeon, FTA Ireland’s newly-appointed Head of Policy, said: “FTA Ireland represents an exciting and very real opportunity to better the industry’s image and improve the way in which the logistics sector operates by sharing best practice and ideas. By vocalising these ideas at the very highest level we can create a safer, more environmentally friendly and more efficient supply chain.”

Declan is a dangerous goods specialist with over 20 years’ experience in the logistics sector. Before taking the mantle at FTA Ireland, Declan oversaw warehouse logistics for Coca-Cola Concentrate in Drogheda, Louth

McKeon concluded: “During my career I have come across companies that take their commitments to road safety very seriously. These same companies have a strong compulsion to differentiate themselves from those who take their adherence to transport regulations less seriously. My new role will enable me to help those companies achieve this aim.

“I am relishing the challenge of presenting the views of members to the Irish Government and other policy agencies, and I look forward to helping establish FTA Ireland as the undisputed voice for Irish logistics.”

CSO show that vehicles used mainly for hire or reward in the transport of goods were responsible for 60 per cent of the total weight of goods carried in 2009.

These vehicles also performed 71 per cent of the total activity in terms of tonne-kilometres and travelled 53 per cent of total vehicle kilometres.

These vehicles accounted for only 20 pef cent of the fleet size, confirming that they are worked more intensely that own account vehicles.

The first phase of the modernisation project has been completed and today an additional nine actions have been announced.

The modernisation of driver training and licensing is a key foundation stone of the Governments current Road Safety Strategy. Driver testing was first introduced in Ireland in 1964 and the RSA has been working since its establishment in September 2006 to modernise the training, testing and licensing system.

Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said: “The modern driving environment is particularly demanding with increased volumes of traffic, more complex road networks and faster vehicles. It is essential that drivers are formally trained to drive safely for life rather than training just to pass a test. I want to acknowledge the maturity and responsibility which the vast majority of young and inexperienced drivers demonstrate. However driver inexperience is a major risk factor in death and injury collisions on our roads. The facts are that young and inexperienced drivers are more likely to kill or be killed on Irish roads. “

In designing a graduated driving licensing system for Ireland the RSA has studied the effectiveness of these measures internationally, carried out a detailed public consultation process and sought to introduce measures that maximise the safety of inexperienced drivers and those with whom they share the road whilst seeking to avoid penalising responsible, compliant novice drivers.

The nine new measures are:

• All new first time learner permit holders with effect from 6th December 2010 for motorcycles and 4th April 2011 for cars will be required to undertake mandatory initial basic training (IBT) with an approved driving instructor (ADI). The course will be 16 hours for motorcycle and 12 hours for car licences.

• The role of the supervising driver accompanying learner drivers will be strengthened and we will introduce a requirement for learner drivers to keep a learner log to be signed by their approved driving instructor and their accompanying driver.

• The drink driving limits for drivers with learner permits and those in their first two years on a full driving licence will be reduced to 20mg/100ml. This legislation has been passed by the Oireachtas and will come into effect in September 2011.

• The penalty points for specified offences will be increased for learner and novice drivers so that accumulation of penalty points during the learning phase and in the first two years on a full licence will pose a real threat of disqualification and will impact positively on risk taking and driver behaviour.

• A standard Hazard Perception Test will be developed and carried out during the novice driver phase. The hazard perception test will specifically address risk taking and perception of risk among novice drivers.

• The current driving test will be modernised to more effectively reflect driver competencies and to influence the learning undertaken by learners. We will introduce a new externally accredited driving test format in the last quarter of 2011.

• Novice drivers will be required to display an R (restricted) plate during the first two years of their full driving licence to support the restrictions that are placed on their licence for that duration.

• The current Driver Theory Test question bank and supporting learning materials will be reconfigured to make it more effective as a learning tool.

• The RSA will engage with the Department of Justice and Law Reform, the Gardai and the Courts Service to develop the range and combination of sentencing options available to the courts for driving offences for learner and novice drivers.

The topics of environmental responsibility and economy have also been taken up by the Verband der Automobilindustrie e.V. (VDA, German Automobile Industry Association): this year, the slogan for the event is “Commercial Vehicles: Efficient, Flexible, Future-Proof.”

The 250 square metres of exhibition stand lead the visitor through the three elements of Bridgestone Total Fleet Management: new tyres, retreads and services.  Stars on the booth will be the new eco-friendly Ecopia tyres and retreads for trucks – holding their official premiere on the European market in Hanover.   Their appearance is supported and complemented by the service range of 2,300 Truck Point dealers and over 140 Bandag partners in Europe.

Prototypes of the new Bandag retreads BDM1 and BRM1 for road and offroad use – an important branch of the industry for Bandag – will also be introduced at the IAA.  Environmentally friendly and cost efficient With the slogan “A better grip on ecology and your costs,” the new Ecopia package offers fleet customers comprehensive solutions for increased environmental responsibility and efficiency: fuel-efficient, long-life Ecopia tyres and retreads, and cost-optimisation services. With the help of these components, Bridgestone is able to offer fleet operators the lowest cost over an entire tyre life – and help them to act more responsibly towards the environment in terms of CO2 emissions reduction and the efficient use of raw materials. Ecopia truck tyres show a 12 per cent improvement in rolling resistance compared to previous Bridgestone profiles.

The platforms will underpin the billion-dollar Nikaitchuq Development Project in Alaska. Transporting them from Berard Transportation’s base in New Iberia, Louisiana to their shipping dock was no small feat in trailer technology to accomplish – which is why the American company called on Goldhofer for help.

The Memmingen-based experts came up with two vast self-propelling super-structures (Goldhofer modules THP/SL-E and THP/ES-E), which are designed specially for the transportation of extremely heavy equipment. Between the two structures, no fewer than 144 axles and 1,152 wheels were needed to bear the weight of the platforms.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers, the sole UK distributor of Goldhofer heavy haulage equipment in the UK and Ireland, expressed his admiration at the partnership’s solution.

“Goldhofer has always thought outside the box and risen to the challenge, however difficult,” says Collins. “That said, I’m still impressed at the sheer size and complexity of these structures.”

Like its German project-partner, Berard Transportation also has a history of devising strong solutions for awkward, heavyweight machinery – but CEO Johnny Berard admits that the prospect of transporting these oil platforms was a daunting one nonetheless.

“So many factors had to be taken into consideration for this project that it really was quite a mammoth task to take on,” says Berard. “We managed it though, thanks to the technical expertise of the designers involved.”

The Nikaitchuq Development Project is a joint venture between oil production corporations Kerr-McGee and Armstrong Oil & Gas, founded in 2004. It is located in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s North Slope.

Goldhofer is a global specialist in heavy haulage and special transportation. It provides transport solutions for everything from super-yachts to submarines, as well as plant and materials for the mining, construction, chemical and power industries.

Latest figures released by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) show that growth is returning to Irish shipping.

Volumes in three of the principle freight segments showed growth for the first six months of 2010. Lo/lo export volumes grew 5%, ro/ro export volumes increased 5% and dry bulk throughput grew 15% between January and June compared to the same period last year.

The midyear data points to a steady recovery in ro/ro traffic, which grew 2% on an all-island basis, with 771,585 units handled. The rate of decline eased significantly in the lo/lo sector which only fell 1% in the first half of the year, although this continued fall was caused by falling imports, down 2%, largely due to weak consumer demand.

In the Bulk sector, dry bulk traffic recovered some of the record losses of 2009, partly attributable to the strong demand in animal feed, fertilizers and grains. Break bulk volumes, related to the construction sector continued to decline, falling 11% in H12010 with volumes athistorically low levels. Liquid bulk volumes fell 4% for the first 6 months of 2010, primarily due to lower storage levels for transshipment.

Overall, the outlook for the volume recovery in the short term is contingent on the recovery in the global economy.

The company says it will introduce several products that demonstrate its commitment to reducing both operating costs and the environmental effects of transport.

The company will unveil the Dunlop SP244 – a new generation trailer tyre, which offers more mileage and better fleet economy.

The company will also unveil the Multitread – a new range of commercial vehicle tyre retreads featuring the latest Dunlop technology.

Meanwhile, Goodyear will showcase a prototype trailer tyre with 10 tonne load capacity.

The Goodyear fuel-saving Marathon LHT II trailer tyre will make its exhibition premiere at IAA, as will Duraseal versions of the new Omnitrac MSS II and MSD II mixed service ranges.

The vehicle electronic is connected wirelessly with the driver’s smart phone, therefore making speedy data exchange possible.

The “Filling Assistant” specifies the exact inflation pressure of each tyre. So when adding air, the optimum tyre pressure can be achieved, even when inflation pumps at the filling station do not measure the pressure accurately.

In addition, a brief honk and blink signal can be given to confirm when the tyre has been inflated to the correct pressure level.

Technical requirements for the system are a tyre pressure monitoring system with the corresponding sensors in the tyres and factory-integrated vehicle electronics with a wireless interface.

First series production of the Filling Assistant in new vehicles is expected from 2013 onwards.

It has been reported that the European Commission, as part of European Whole Vehicle Type Approval rules, is considering limiting the height of trailers and semi-trailers to just four metres.

It is understood that a detailed report will be circulated next month. If the proposal is adopted it would spell an end to so-called super cube trailers on Europe’s road, pushing up distribution costs.

“After spending nearly five decades of active work in the company, the time has come for me to pass leadership to the fourth generation. I am very pleased that my son Bernard is now going to map out the route for our company to follow in the future.” says Dr. Krone.

The impressive handover ceremony consisted of a performance by Circus Krone, the biggest circus in Europe and 2,400 guests gave a standing ovation to the company owner.

Bernard Krone emphasised that he would: “Continue leading the company according to the trusted Krone philosophy which is ‘to maintain honest relations with our staff members, customers and partners, to provide superior products and to excel by exemplary innovative power.’ These are the skills and qualities that have been adhered to for decades and made Krone the company it is today – a market leader in agricultural machinery and commercial trailers. Together with our trusted executive officers, the Advisory Board and our dedicated staff members. We will continue to strengthen the position of the Krone Group and conquer new markets in the years to come.”

The has also confirmed that the current three day a week service will be increased to four.

This new service is to replace the current one vessel freight and passenger mixed service, the passenger element of which has not proved viable according to DFDS.

The service provides a direct link between Scotland and the Continent and is important to Scotland’s supply chains and to achieving the challenging carbon reduction targets set by Scottish Government.

The bio-fuel has been developed at Edinburgh Napier University and is the result of two years work by the biofuel research centre.

The team focused on the whiskey industry to develop biobutanol, a next generation bio-fuel which gives 30% more output power than ethanol.

It uses the two main by-products of the whiskey production process, which are “pot ale”, the liquid from the copper stills, and “draff”, the spent grains.

There were 2,760 trucks registered in the July, down 25.8% to 32,115 for the rolling year. For vans the total for the month was 17,309. This means a 0.1% rise to 204,514 for the rolling year.

Truck registrations for the month were up 9.1% against last July’s near record low. “The recovery in van registrations continues with truck figures also up,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. “Whilst the forecast for 2011 is more positive, the prospects for the rest of the year are gloomy and we expect a near record low for trucks.”

According to SAF-HOLLAND, there are essentially two measures which have led to this weight reduction: Following an intensive finite element analysis of all components, these were specifically optimized with regard to weight and strength. On the other hand, a new light-weight single-tappet mechanism was developed for the application of the brake.

For a quick and easy disc change, the brake can be easily dismantled with its four fixing bolts. An equally useful feature is the completely encapsulated calliper guide of the SBS 2220 with its non-wearing plain bearings, stainless steel slide pins and rugged inverted bellows which protect the brake against the intrusion of dirt.

The SAF disc brake SBS 2220 can be used with either conventional or INTEGRAL discs which, over the years, have proved to be both very powerful and durable. The new brake weighs only 31 kg including brake pads and is, therefore, an attractive option to increase trailer efficiency. After its successful test bench and field trials, production start has been scheduled for the second quarter of 2011.

The tyre’s load-bearing capacity has been adapted to meet future requirements over the course of further technical development.

The tyre features impressive mileage and robustness while optimised rolling resistance ensures a considerable reduction in fuel consumption.

The higher load index of the new high-performance tyre forms the basis for future truck series that will shift an increasing amount of weight to the front axles. This is down to more complex exhaust gas treatment technology, safety equipment and more comfortable cabs being used.

The strict Euro 6 emissions standard that comes into force at the beginning of 2013 demands that vehicle manufacturers build new engines with more complex exhaust gas treatment technology. Catalytic converters, exhaust gas recirculation, particulate filters and considerably larger cooling systems greatly increase the load over the front axle.

In view of the new requirements for modern truck tyres, Continental is already presenting front axle versions of the high-tech tyre generation HSL 2 ECO-PLUS with greater load-carrying capacity. The HSL 2 ECO-PLUS was launched last year with great success.

With 1,619 exhibitors it is the biggest of its type in Europe by far, with 190,000 square metres for indoor and 30,000 square metres for outdoor exhibits.

Some 730 of the exhibitors are German firms. Amongst the 889 foreign exhibitors, Turkey leads with 107, reflecting the strength of its growing automotive industry.

The UK is seventh in the 40-strong list of exhibitor nations. The 200 or so van, truck, trailer, bodybuilder and bus stands take up nearly 60 per cent of the exhibition space. If you plan to go to the show and need a hotel room, book soon before the rush.

A number of truck drivers that contacted the show said that the course content did not address any of the issues that hauliers face on a daily basis.

The general consensus of opinion was that the Driver CPC was just another revenue generating exercise dressed up as a road safety initiative.

If you have recently taken the first module of the Driver CPC and would like to comment contact the Editor.

Two of the new FL Narrow Track tankers were available for operators to view together with an FE 6×2 rear-steer tanker to full ADR spec. The latter was plated at 26 tonnes GVW. The 16 tonnes GVW FLs were loaned from Shell Gas and West Country fuel oil distributor, Tincknell Fuels.

Although the emphasis was firmly on the technical capabilities of the FL Narrow Track, the event also focused on Volvo’s ability to work in partnership with customers on a variety of issues. These include the use of Dynafleet telematics, Fuel Management Service consultancy and Volvo Service Point Online to reduce their fuel bills, monitor and manage maintenance costs and protect their ‘O’ Licences.

The Tincknells FL Narrow Track fuel oil tanker has a payload of 11,000 litres and Shell’s FL Narrow Track gas tanker carries approximately 6,200 kgs of LPG. These payloads, which mean the FL

Narrow Track may not have to reload as frequently as a 7.5 tonner, coupled to its suitability for operation in rural areas, demonstrate that it can be a viable alternative to the lower GVW truck.

The trailers are being used to transport adhesives between the UK and Belgium and the double-deck design allows over 60 pallets to be stored comfortably and enables certain fragile loads that are unsuitable for block stacking within a trailer to be carried two high.

The tri-axle trailers have been specified with front and rear lifting axles, which remain raised if the trailer is running below fully laden. Ordinarily, the trailers run on the single axle but built-in sensors prompt the front and/or rear axles to drop down as more weight is added. This feature ensures that the load is evenly distributed over the optimum number of axles and the equipment is compliant for both UK and European regulations when the trailers are on the road.

However, because the front and rear-lifting axles remain raised unless the weight of the load demands they are lowered, rolling resistance is dramatically reduced when lighter loads are in transit. As a result S&J European have noticed that they are making considerable fuel savings with the new trailers.

“Because we have seldom had to have all three axles down, rolling resistance has been minimised and we are achieving fuel efficiency of around 2 miles per gallon,” explains S&J’s transport manager, Mark Turner.

“This may not sound hugely significant but in monetary terms it means cost efficiencies of £65 per trip per vehicle. The trailers are working seven days a week so that’s a noteworthy saving,” he adds.

The trailers, which are fitted with Michelin’s X One MaxiTrailer tyres and finished in S&J European’s distinctive livery, have been built using Schmitz Cargobull’s patented weld-free bolted and galvanised production technique.

The launch of Stena Britannica follows Stena Hollandica, which entered service in May, together representing Stena Line’s largest ever investment of over 375 million pounds.

The ships will together sail the route between Harwich and Hook of Holland, offering daily day and overnight sailings in both directions. Onboard, there are 538 cabins, each fitted with Dux beds, the Swedish luxury brand beds also found in the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, and modern en suite bathrooms with Hansgrohe fittings. Larger windows provide a feeling of space and light, while extra touches, such as the complimentary Piper-Heidsieck Champagne in the Captain’s Class cabins, add to the first class service onboard.

A world away from the traditional ferries of years gone by, the Stena Line Superferries offer onboard services including free Wi-Fi for all, mobile reception throughout the crossing and satellite television in lounges and cabins. There are also buffet and a la carte restaurants, a cinema, bar, lounge, media room and internet corner. For families there are children and teenager zones, plus 12 kennels for dogs and a wooden-decked sundeck to allow passengers to relax outdoors during their journey.

Designed to have a low environmental impact, each Superferry is built in line with Stena Line’s Energy Savings Programme. Eco-friendly features on the new Superferries include catalytic converters, an improved hull design, highly efficient engines and better combustion rates, all helping to reduce environmental impact. The ferries have facilities to recycle glass, cardboard and food waste onboard, while solar film on all windows excludes up to 82% of the sun’s radiant heat, reducing the energy used by the onboard cooling system.

The largest ferries of their type in the world in terms of combined passenger and freight capacity, each is capable of transporting 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles and 1,200 passengers.

Departing twice daily, the crossing takes approx 6.5 hours with a choice of day or night sailings in each direction. Departures from Harwich leave at 09:00 and around 23:45 each day, and at 14.30 and around 22:00 from the Hook of Holland, with early boarding possible to enable passengers to dine or relax before departure, meaning there’s still enough time for a good night’s sleep.

Lead in fares start at just 49 pounds one-way for a car and driver, plus 12 pounds per additional adult or 6 pounds per additional child (up to 15 yrs, under fours travel free). With a similar pricing structure to low fares airlines, as the cheaper fares sell out, the prices on popular crossings will rise, so those booking early make the largest savings. Cabins are compulsory overnight and optional for day sailings, and start from just 14 pounds per person one-way, based on two sharing.