Volvo Trucks has long been the industry leader in the field of passive safety. For example in 1959, Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt – Volvo’s gift to the world. Today it’s a standard throughout the automotive industry and has made the world a better place by saving more lives in traffic than any other technical feature.

“The injury-reducing effect of the seatbelt is hard to beat when compared to other safety devices, but work still remains to be done: to get all truck drivers to use it,” says Lennart Svenson, former Head of Volvo Truck Accident Research Team at Volvo Truck Corporation.

Another good example of passive safety is a cab structure that gives enough survival space after an accident. Volvo Truck Corporation introduced pendulum-tested cabs in the 1960s and the crash-tested Volvo cab introduced a new level of safety to trucks, together with good ergonomics for its time.

Early traffic-safety development had a focus on passive safety, reducing injuries. For heavy-duty vehicles, the “golden age” of passive safety was from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Other milestones that stand out in the development of passive safety systems are the energy-absorbing steering wheel and under-run protections, which prevent the passenger car to end up under the truck in a frontal collision.

Truck safety was intensified in 1969 when Volvo started an accident research team manned by Kjell Högström and Lennart Svensson. During the 1970s Volvo Truck Corporation released the first external reports based on accident investigation and, as a result of this research, reinforcements in the doors and energy absorbing instrument panel were added.

Active safety, preventing accidents, was for many years synonymous with braking efficiency. Focus on steering and behaviours on the road were added. At the end of the 1990s, a system with the aim to assist the driver was introduced. Lately there has been more focus on detecting and acting on hazards that the driver might miss. The interface between man and machine becomes more and more important.

“It is a waste constructing a technically perfect vehicle if it is not adapted to humans and the traffic environment,” concludes Svenson.

The symposium was built on a newly introduced report called “Driving fleet fuel efficiency: The Road to 2020“. The report predicts how fleets will cope with cutting CO2 and increasing fuel efficiency in an era of rising fuel costs and environmental legislation.

The symposium was opened by Siim Kallas, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Transport, who welcomed Goodyear Dunlop Europe’s ‘Driving Fleet Fuel Efficiency’ initiative. He emphasised that road freight is a key element of the economic system and its sustainable development is essential for the long term competitiveness of Europe. He also underlined that increased energy efficiency should be a bridge to alternative fuels. “To meet the policy objectives of the EU’s ‘Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area’, the EU needs a clear and coherent vision helping to accelerate the use of alternative transport fuels”, he said.

A strong transportation industry is vital to the European economy, but at the same time, the EU has set a target for the industry to cut carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.

Michel Rzonzef, Vice President of Goodyear Dunlop’s commercial tyre business across Europe, Middle East and Africa was pleased with the symposium’s outcome, which saw over 170 key stakeholders debate and discuss key issues affecting the sector in an open and transparent manner. In different panel discussions, some of Europe’s largest fleets came together with industry players, experts in the latest fuel-efficient technologies, and policy-makers, to debate on the practical and political steps to take to reduce fuel use and move toward a more sustainable future.

The Symposium built on recently conducted opinion research which confirmed that the overwhelming majority of fleets already have robust fuel efficiency measures in place and that many are increasingly struggling to see what else they can do to improve efficiency and lower carbon emissions to achieve even tougher targets. Rzonzef also described how low rolling resistance tyres are one option to improve a fleet’s fuel efficiency, amongst many others, such as eco-driving training for truck drivers, improved logistics, route planning and aerodynamics on vehicles.

Goodyear’s research also indicated that many fleets don’t know the factors influencing fuel efficiency and find it difficult to know whether the cost of investing in fuel saving equipment will pay off in fuel savings. According to the company’s survey, over a quarter of fleet managers believe a tool that could predict the lifetime costs and fuel savings of equipment would incentivise them to take measures to improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles. In order to answer this need and help enable fleet managers to make the right investment decisions and cut their fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Goodyear Dunlop also announced it would launch a free-of-charge fuel efficiency calculator. Fleets will be trialing the free web-based tool before it is launched to the public on the 21st February.

“It was a landmark event for us”, said Rzonzef. “Every participant learned a great deal and our commitment to the sector is clear. The Road to 2020 report was very well received and our calculator is eagerly anticipated by the fleets.”

The DSX range over many years of use in the USA, has improved customers fuel consumption by an average of 10 per cent and it’s this lure of financial savings, which is attracting the attention of companies here.

The products were originally developed for the US military in the early 90’s and have been used extensively in the US trucking and courier industries for many years, as well as law enforcement and government agencies including the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coastguard, U.S. Customs Service and the FBI.

The additive reduces friction between all moving parts in an engine, gearbox or axle and consequently improves performance and mpg. Lower operating temperatures have also been observed and there is strong evidence to suggest that CO2 emissions are also reduced.

The head of European distribution, Mr Bill Friend of EFPT Products said when the products were launched: “I understand the scepticism within the haulage industry for this type of product making these types of claims, as I know many products in the past have promised miracles and not delivered. All I can say is that all the evidence I have seen from the USA and the 23% improvement in the mpg of my own car, have given me the belief that these products actually do work.”

And recently added: “It’s good to see that companies are putting aside years of scepticism and taking a serious look at products which can offer long term financial benefits”.

DSX Extra has proven over time to extend parts and engine life, improve fuel economy and system efficiency, as well as lower CO2 emissions, resulting in a reduction of carbon footprint.

Having been told many times from companies and individuals within the haulage industry that they’ve “heard it all before”, Bill Friend has a final word for all those sceptics : “I know you’ve all heard it all before about wonder products to improve mpg and reduce your running costs, but with the levels of interest being shown in our products, if they are the ones which work, can you afford to be left behind” ?

And when asked about his search for testimonial companies to trial the product he replied: “We’ve received strong levels of interest since our launch and due to this our testimonial prices will not be available for much longer. Any operator with a glimmer of interest would be wise to take advantage of them now, before somebody proves the product for them and reaps the long term financial benefit of these great prices”.

EFPT Products is still for the moment looking for forward thinking haulage operators to undertake trials of the product at greatly reduced costs, in return for testimonials to help with marketing when the trial is complete, but this offer will not last for much longer.

If you’re interested in finding out more and possibly undertaking a trial, click on the link below and visit the company web site now !

For more information click on the following link:

Louise, 28, joins Continental with strong sales and marketing experience from her previous role as sales and marketing manager for Ardmore Language Schools.

Louise said; “I am delighted to join Continental in this exciting role. My initial activities will be focussed on getting to know the network partners and gaining a broader understanding of how the Conti360° network can be developed moving forward.”

Having studied business management at the University of Bath, Louise will be responsible for implementing the overall strategic direction for the Conti360° network.

This will include implementing growth plans to develop new business opportunities with both existing and new customers as well as managing the performance of the network to maintain highest service levels to end users.

Tracey Hyem, Commercial Marketing Manager said; “I am delighted to have Louise on board the commercial team. Her enthusiasm and experience will really add value and help develop and improve the Conti360° network going forward.”

Louise, who lives in Windsor, enjoys travelling having recently visited Turkey and Vietnam. She is also a keen runner, competing in several half marathons per year.

For more information and to contact the Continental Commercial team, visit www.continental-tyres.co.uk/truck

“The Irish International Freight Association welcomes the opportunity for its members to promote their international forwarding and logistics services especially now that the country is increasing its exports at a steady rate. From now until May we will be supporting easyFairs to ensure a strong exhibitor base and the right visitor profile over the two days. We look forward to hosting the IIFA Pavilion at the exhibition,” commented Colm Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of The Irish International Freight Association.

Packaging, Processing & Logistics 2012 is a complete supply chain all-Ireland event, taking place on 16 & 17 May 2012 at Dublin’s Citywest Convention Centre, bringing together Ireland’s key buyers and suppliers from the most important sectors of manufacturing and industry, including: food & beverage; pharmaceuticals; life sciences; medtech; chemical; and much more.

Despite the economic challenges, Ireland exports are booming, which is creating demand for additional capital expenditure in production facilities, raw materials and services.

With Ireland currently situated as Europe’s second-largest exporter of medtech products and with nearly €1 billion in Irish food and drink exported the economy is seeing growth and now is the time for companies to promote themselves and gain new contracts. Indeed freight forwarding has in recent years has undergone a massive transformation in response to the demands and opportunities presented by technology and globalisation. Logistical services, modern information and communications technologies, and total supply chain management are integral to a modern service sector now very far removed from its traditional image of warehouses and docks. IIFA full trading members are at the forefront of meeting these challenges by offering a knowledgeable and professional service to Irish industry leaders at home and abroad.

If you are interested in being involved in the IIFA Pavilion, contact Anders Kvist on 01 903 6060 or +44 (0)20 8843 8816, email Anders.Kvist@easyFairs.com or visit www.easyFairs.com/PPL2012.

Aimed directly at the fleet engineer and passenger car garage operator, Workshop will be home to more than 100 suppliers of products from handheld diagnostics to pillar lifts capable of raising a 44 tonne artic off the deck.

With attention firmly fixed on fuel efficiency, companies like Eclipse Diagnostics, Launch, Texa and SPX can ensure that engines operate at peak efficiency 24/7 and they will be at the Show to demonstrate their capabilities.

Recognising the broad spectrum of visitors to this essential meeting place for workshop operators, Maha has separate stands for car and commercial equipment, while Unipart Automotive’s Garage Equipment Services showcases products from international and domestic suppliers.

The tyre business is well represented by manufacturers, stockists and tyre management companies such as ATS Euromaster, Bridgestone, R H Claydon, Direct Tyre Management, Hankook and Kirby Tyres. Westlake, a new exhibitor for 2012, will make a splash with a 100m2 stand in Hall 2 where Mercedes-Benz launches its new Actros, International Truck of the Year 2012, to the UK’s operators.

The aim of restructuring the business into three coherent sales and marketing regions – Americas (North and South America), EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) and APAC (Asia Pacific) – is to create an organisation which can meet its customers’ needs more effectively and better exploit the commercial potential of the Group’s different truck brands.

At the start of the year, Claes Nilsson became President Volvo Trucks EMEA Sales & Global Brand, with operational sales and marketing responsibility for the EMEA region. The position also involves responsibility for managing the global product strategy and developing the Volvo Trucks brand.

“I think that our new structure offers us significant opportunities. The strategy for Volvo Trucks has been in place for some time and is very much still valid. We will continue to develop Volvo Trucks’ unique qualities and supply trucks which meet our customers’ high standards and expectations,” says Claes Nilsson.

The organisational changes came into effect at the start of the year. The new management team will continue to take a highly customer focused approach and will also be investing in expanding the service and aftermarket network.

“We already have more than 2,300 dealers and workshops all over the world and this figure will grow. Our relationship with our customers plays a central role and our business goes much further than just selling trucks. This is only the beginning of what we do. For us it is all about offering our customers effective transport solutions with guaranteed quality, safety and the greatest possible care for the environment,” he adds.

The Irish Times has reported that hauliers will converge on the capital on the morning of February 22nd. They plan to bring Dublin to a standstill by 8am in protest at rising diesel prices.

Gardaí have been informed of the plan and are to meet to draw up contingency plans for the rally.

One of the organisers of the protest is Donegal truck company boss John McLaughlin of JML Transport.

Registrations grew in France (+2.5), the UK (+13.4) and Germany (+16.3), while results were negative in Italy (-0.8%) and Spain (-14.2). Over the year 2011, a total of 1,935,392 new vehicles were registered. This is 9.9 per cent more than in 2010 but still about one-fifth below pre-crisis levels when annual volumes averaged 2.5 million units.

In 2011, France remained the largest market, with 482,823 new vehicles and an expansion of 5.6 per ent. Germany registered 334,822 units, a growth of 18.7 per cent, followed by the UK (+17.6) with 306,488 new vehicles. The Italian (-3.4) and the Spanish markets (-6.6) contracted.

Avia is one of the leading providers of medium sized trucks in the 7.5 tonne to 12 tonne category. Avia trucks carry a three year / 1,000,000 km warranty, which is most unusual for commercial vehicles and is testament to the quality of the vehicles.

Built to a very high specification, Cummins engines are standard across the range and have a reputation for being the most fuel-efficient truck in its class.

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) is currently holding regional branch meetings to obtain feedback from members as to their preferred response to the recent Government budget.

Road haulage operators are particularly incensed that further to the Association’s proposals for an essential user fuel rebate, which, the Association says, would bring about a substantial NET gain for the exchequer as result of the international fleet refuelling in Ireland, has not been implemented. In addition, the failure to abolish green diesel, which would bring an end to diesel washing plants and therefore benefit the environment and the general exchequer has been ignored.

President of the IRHA Eoin Gavin stated “Diesel prices continue to increase and yet there has been no initiative by Government to support our sector, either through a fuel rebate or through the abolition of green fuel. Our research suggests that there is a loss of approximately €300 million in fuel duty through out-of-state refuelling and illegal diesel washing plants and our proposals will bring that lost duty back into the exchequer as well as covering the administrative cost of introducing such a scheme. The current working environment is simply not sustainable and immediate action will need to be taken by the Department of Finance” said Mr. Gavin.

Brennan International is based in Limerick and offers an extensive range of national and international transport and run a fleet of 10 trucks.

Our picture shows Pat Brennan receiving the keys of his new truck from Diarmuid Nolan.

At a dedicated fleet symposium that took place in Brussels this week, Goodyear Dunlop presented several recommendations to help commercial road transport sector to improve their fuel efficiency.

The fuel consumption of a vehicle has a direct impact on its CO2 emissions. Goodyear Dunlop’s Road to 2020 report shows that a third (30%) of European fleets currently has no plans in place to respond to expected Europe-wide CO2 regulation. In its most recent Transportation White Paper, the European Commission gave fleets clear indications that further regulation and taxation on fuel and CO2 emissions will be introduced in the coming decade.

At the same time, fleets are looking at industry and policy-makers to help them achieve greater efficiency:

- 1 in 3 want the EU to invest in fuel efficient technology and development programs;

- 1 in 4 want a modelling tool that predicts the cost and CO2 savings of investments in green equipment and training;

- 1 in 4 want more information on the factors affecting fuel efficiency;

- 1 in 5 want European legislation that incentivises efficient fleets.

“The road freight sector is facing enormous pressure to help meet Europe’s ambitious climate change targets, but despite their commitment to fuel economy, we found many fleets could be better prepared to handle the cost and operational impacts of a potential carbon regulation,” said Michel Rzonzef, Vice President, Goodyear Dunlop commercial tyre business EMEA. “The research confirmed that the overwhelming majority of fleets already have robust fuel efficiency measures in place, and therefore struggle to see what else they can do to improve efficiency and lower carbon emissions to achieve even stronger goals. Low rolling resistance tyres are one option to improve a fleet’s fuel efficiency amongst others, such as eco-driving training for truck drivers, improved logistics, route planning and aerodynamics on vehicles.“

Fuel efficiency, priority #1

With prices at the pump rising and 2 in 5 fleets reporting they are under customer pressure to green their operations, it is unsurprising that over 9 in 10 fleets are already working to improve their fuel economy:

- 7 in 10 have invested in eco-driving training;

- 6 in 10 have procured more efficient vehicles;

- 2 in 5 have improved logistics and route planning;

- 2 in 5 have switched to more fuel efficient tyres.

Target 2020

With only 8% of fleets having taken no action to reduce their fuel use, Europe’s road hauliers are sceptical about how much more they can do to increase efficiency and drive down emissions.

7 in 10 European fleets currently work toward a self-imposed target for either fuel savings or CO2 savings. With substantial efforts already underway, fleets are conservative in estimating possible further efficiency savings:

- 52% of fleets do not think they can achieve further efficiency savings of more than 10%;

- Only 1 in 10 believes the sector can achieve the 20% efficiency savings target outlined in the EU’s 20-20-20 low-carbon commitments;

- 1 in 5 fleets are unsure as to whether any further savings can be made.

Interestingly, fleets from countries with lower fuel prices are more optimistic. In both Poland and Spain, where fuel costs are below the EU average, a fifth of fleets are confident they can achieve a further 20% efficiency savings by 2020. In the UK, however, where fuel prices are higher than the European average, a third of fleets says that they have done all they can to improve fuel efficiency, and no more savings can be made.

Recommendations

Based on the findings, Goodyear Dunlop calls on policy-makers to consider the following recommendations to help the commercial road transport sector reduce emissions and improve efficiency:

- Making tyre pressure monitoring systems mandatory on all new Heavy Duty Vehicles;

- Investing in improved tyre pressure monitoring technology for Heavy Duty Vehicles;

- Offering incentives to those fleet operators who invest in aerodynamic improvements or purchase tires that achieve A, B, C grades on the new EU tyre label, in both rolling resistance and wet grip;

- Adjusting EU restrictions on weight and height for Heavy Duty Vehicles to improve efficiency.

The East Midlands-based company says the 26-pallet, 13.6m tri-axle Schmitz Cargobull reefer – purchased in 2007 – has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable investment which has served a long-term rental contract on national and regional distribution operations for up to six days a week.

“A fridge trailer to a small company like ours is a significant upfront investment,” said Stuart Robinett, Owner of Cedartone. “Prudent cost management is essential; what may be a modest problem to some fleets may be something that costs me a disproportionate amount of money.

“It’s up to every rental company to make their own judgements on what equipment is best suited to their operations, but I find Schmitz Cargobull trailers some of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market.

“Given the high mileage covered, the minimal maintenance the trailer has needed certainly disputes the view that disc brake systems are significantly more costly to run in comparison to traditional drum brakes. In its four and a half years of continuous use, the trailer has not suffered any mechanical or structural failures, which is very impressive.”

Cedartone, which typically operates its trailers for between five and six years, cites the two top considerations when specifying both reefers and curtainsiders as low cost of operation and high residual value versus capital cost.

Schmitz Cargobull S.KO reefers feature patented FERROPLAST® insulated panels – made up of quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam housed between steel skins – offering vapour diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant.

“Importantly to me, Schmitz Cargobull reefer trailers command strong residuals and are saleable across numerous European markets – giving me the best flexibility and profit potential when they finish their time with us,” added Stuart.

The company has a contract fleet of three curtainsider and three refrigerated trailers. It also looks after a further 15 trailers and 11 other vehicles under local fleet management contracts.

While watching ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, Lucian was inspired to decorate his Volvo FH12-460 with images and themes from the film. Now when he drives, he feels like a captain of his own personal ship.

”My goal is to deliver the cargo,” he jokes, while pointing to the treasure map printed on the truck’s upholstery. ”I think that the ideas that were born in my crazy head, reflect what has been gathered here.”

Initially residents in Lucian’s home town didn’t know how to react to his creation, but when the ‘Black Pearl’ started attracted publicity from far and wide, there was soon growing pride in the town’s new icon. Now that the ‘Black Pearl’ has been chosen to feature in the latest episode of ‘Welcome to my cab’, Lucian is delighted.

“I’m really glad that I’ve been chosen, and I’m happy to be presented among other drivers who drive Volvo.”

The video about Lucian Igras is available on YouTube and soon it will also be available on Volvo Trucks’ online magazine and on the company’s tablet magazine.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Ashcroft Trailer Hire on Tel. 00 44 (0)28 9083 2641.

Transport operators in Cork have stated that such a counter argument in relation to the abolition of green diesel is flawed and adds no credibility to arguments that green diesel must be maintained.

President of the IRHA Mr. Eoin Gavin said: “The vast majority of road haulage operators hold large volumes of fuel in their transport yards and have in place measures to prevent theft of such fuel. Any argument that the abolition of green diesel will increase security concerns on farm yards nationwide is a smokescreen. There is farming equipment in the vast majority of farm yards where its value would far exceed the value of the small quantity of green diesel that the average farmer would hold in their yard.” said Mr. Gavin.

The IRHA has proposed to the Department of Finance that only one colour fuel should be in circulation in the country and entitled users – farmers and agricultural contractors – should be able to claim a rebate, easily administered by oil companies as is the currently case for fishing vessels. This would eradicate the ever increasing number of diesel washing plants which currently exist in the country and consequently reduce the ever increasing level of lost duty to the exchequer.

Most EU states charge lorries for using their roads, which means that British vehicles have to pay to drive in Europe, while foreign lorries can drive for free in the UK.

Minister Penning said: “We want to ensure that UK hauliers get a fairer deal and help maintain the competitiveness of our logistics industry.

“Each year there are around 1.5 million trips to the UK by foreign registered lorries – but none of them pays to use our roads, leaving UK businesses and taxpayers to foot the bill.

“The proposals I have set out today will ensure that all hauliers who use our roads are contributing to their cost, regardless of where they are from.

“I want UK hauliers to get involved and respond to this consultation to make sure that the final scheme works for them – helping level the playing field with foreign hauliers, boosting their market share and increasing employment and promoting growth in the UK.”

The proposed scheme will levy a time-based charge of up to £10 a day for lorries of 12 tonnes or over using any road in the UK. The precise level of charges will depend on exchange rate and inflation at the time of implementation – likely to be 2015, subject to the legislative programme.

By law, the scheme cannot discriminate between UK-registered vehicles and vehicles from elsewhere in the EU so this charge will apply to all lorries but, for the vast majority of UK hauliers, this will not mean an increase in costs because the Government proposes to compensate them for the charge.

The most likely compensation measure will be a reduction in Vehicle Excise Duty for UK-registered vehicles.

For 94% of UK-registered HGVs over 12 tonnes, hauliers would not pay any more than now. Four per cent would pay no more than £50 a year more and a further 2% would pay slightly over £50, but the maximum extra cost would be £79. Even these small increases could be avoided by most vehicles if they were replated to carry a slightly reduced weight.

Under the plans, UK hauliers would pay an annual (or six month) charge for each HGV at the same time and in the same transaction as they pay its Vehicle Excise Duty. Foreign hauliers could pay daily, weekly, monthly or annual charges.

The consultation will run until 18 April 2012 and can be found here: www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/dft-2012-03

The Minister’s announcement, according to the IRHA acknowledges representations the Association has made on the matter of toll costs, which are a considerable overhead for road haulage operators.

Commenting on the response by the Minister, Eoin Gavin President of the IRHA said: “We welcome this commitment by Minister Varadkar to refrain from introducing further toll points on the public road network. We look forward to this positive engagement by the transport Minister and working with him to change road taxation/pricing policy for the betterment of industry, the economy and the environment.”

The SARTRE project is being driven by seven European partners and is the only one of its kind to focus on the development of technology that can be implemented on conventional highways in which platooned traffic operates in a mixed environment with other road users.

“Our participation in the SARTRE project enables more efficient and safer transports with the potential of also saving fuel. It gives us the opportunity to explore future transport solutions and take advantage of the extensive research carried out at Volvo Trucks and Volvo Technology,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic & Product Safety Director, Volvo Trucks.

Stakeholder dialogue

Recognizing that the challenge of implementing road train technology on Europe’s highways is not solely a technical matter, SARTRE also includes a major study to identify what social infrastructure changes will be needed for vehicle platooning to become a reality. A number of stakeholder discussions will therefore be held. The participants in the first discussion included technical experts, politicians, legislators and traffic safety researchers. At the workshop a number of non-technical challenges for road trains were discussed, such as legal regulations, product liability and driver acceptance of automated vehicles.

Key future requirements identified were the need to agree a common terminology for platooning, such as criteria for defining when a vehicle becomes fully, as opposed to partially or even highly automated, and the need to address multiple and varied national regulatory law or to harmonize regulatory law.

Many benefits

Road trains promote safer transport since the vehicle platoons are led by a professional driver in e.g. a truck and inter-vehicle reaction response times are much quicker. Environmental impact is reduced since the cars follow close behind each other and reap the benefit of lower air drag. The energy saving is expected to be in the region of up to 20 percent. Road capacity will also be able to be utilised more efficiently.

According to a survey of more than 400 fleet managers, almost a third (28%) say a lack of information is preventing them from making greater fuel efficiency savings.

The web portal and related Twitter feed (@efficientfleet) feature the latest industry information; Goodyear Dunlop’s top tips for helping fleets improve fuel efficiency, and best practice case studies in green fleet management.

The web portal also hosts information on Goodyear Dunlop’s upcoming fleet symposium ‘Driving fuel efficiency in Europe’s road freight transport’. The event will take place in Brussels, Belgium on January 25th.

European policy makers, industry experts, and transportation academics will share the latest innovations, legislative trends, and research to help fleets from all sectors and regions improve their overall fuel efficiency and reduce their CO2 emissions. The keynote speech will be delivered by Mr. Siim Kallas, the Vice-president of European Commission and Commissioner responsible for transport.

“We see the website as a forum for fleets across Europe to come for advice, support, and information for improving their fuel efficiency,” said Boris Stevanovic, EMEA Marketing Director Truck Tyres, Goodyear Dunlop Europe.

Joaquim Lopes Mello aged 33 years was sentenced to six months on each charge (to run concurrent) and was disqualified from driving in the UK for 12 months. He has been on remand since the end of October 2011 and will serve the rest of his sentence prior to release.

Lopes Mello was initially stopped by VOSA at the Todhills check site on the M6 near to Carlisle. This is the second vehicle and driver from this company to be investigated by VOSA and Cumbria Police. The vehicle was seized and examined along with tachograph records and other documentation prior to the driver being arrested. Following interview in which the driver denied the offences he was charged and remanded in custody due to the likelihood of his failing to answer bail.

The case was committed to be heard at Carlisle Crown Court and on the 23 January 2012 Lopes Mello pleaded guilty to the charges.

A previous case heard at Carlisle Crown Court in October 2011 saw a colleague of Lopes Mello, Mohammed Issiali jailed for 6 months on 6 counts of Making a False Instruments, namely tachograph charts.

Sergeant Graeme Hodgson from the Road Policing Unit led the investigation for Cumbria Constabulary. “PCs Ivison and McKeown have continued to target this company together with our colleagues from VOSA following the stopping of the first vehicle as the intelligence was very good. The Courts have given us 100% backing with the sentencing of drivers who are shown to systematically falsify their tachograph charts and drive excessive hours, creating a very real danger for all road users.”

“A confiscation order has been applied for in relation to the vehicle driven by Lopes Mello at the time of his being stopped and HH Judge Baty has ordered that the company represent themselves in a months’ time in relation to this.”

Cumbria Constabulary and VOSA continue to target hauliers who deliberately flout the law and have a number of other investigations currently under way with other individuals awaiting court.

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Throughout a vehicle’s life, various components will require replacing and for safety, reliability and environmental reasons, it is important that these replacements are fit for purpose and are manufactured to acceptable standards.

In order to curtail the possible supply and fitment of non-approved or sub-standard components to the national fleet, the RSA is proposing initially that three categories of components are selected for further consideration due to their direct impact on safety and the environment. These components are:

· Brake linings – Poor quality brake linings may fail or under perform in an emergency situation;

· Coupling devices – A poorly designed or manufactured coupling which fails may result in catastrophic consequences for the vehicle driver and other road users;

· Exhaust silencers – Replacement exhaust silencing systems which do not perform in line with the vehicles original specifications may cause excessive noise pollution.

The consultation proposes that all replacement brake linings, exhaust silencers and couplings placed on sale are Original Equipment (OE – i.e. same as originally fitted), or that they are approved replacements to EC or UNECE standards (thereby “e” or “E” marked). There may be exemptions from these requirements, for example, for older vehicles. However, the components placed on the market for such vehicles should meet with alternative marking and packaging requirements. The RSA is interested to hear from stakeholders including those involved in the manufacture and distribution of vehicle components, road users and other members of the public. The consultation document “Consultation on Selected Vehicle Components” sets out Ireland’s current legislation with regard to motor vehicle components and puts forward proposals to strengthen these provisions. Feedback from this consultation may be incorporated into policy development and legislation. The consultation document may be viewed on the RSA’s website at the following location: http://www.rsa.ie/Active-Consultations

The consultative process lasts until the 2nd of March 2012 and you are invited to send your views to: componentsconsultation@rsa.ie

or, in writing to:

Vehicle Components Consultation,

Vehicle Standards Section,

Road Safety Authority,

Moy Valley Business Park,

Primrose Hill,

Ballina,

Co Mayo.

Volunteer's from 2010's Cycle Tanzania on the road.

Transaid is working in Madagascar to reduce child and maternal mortality rates through providing transport solutions in remote parts of the island. Some communities can be completely cut off for up to 10 months of the year with little or no access to transport.

So far, two dozen participants have already confirmed their participation in the June expedition, which has attracted a mixture of avid and relatively inexperienced cyclists.

Transaid Events Executive Aggie Hickman says: “All our volunteers have a passion for raising money for our projects with some of Africa’s poorest communities, but in addition some are looking forward to experiencing Madagascar’s lush tropical paradise, while others are looking to shed some Christmas pounds!”

Volunteer Mike Wilson, Michelin’s Commercial Director of Earthmover and Industrial Operations, adds: “This is the second time I’m joining a Transaid fundraising expedition after cycling across Tanzania with the charity in 2010. There’s a real mixture of abilities so you don’t need to be an expert, all you need is a keen sense of adventure!”

Teams and individuals already committed to the event include representatives from CILT, Consult, DHL, GKN Freight Services, Hankook Tyres, John Mitchell, Lafarge Cement, Logistex, Michelin, Simms Recycling Solutions, Transport for London, United Biscuits, Volvo Truck, Wincanton, Woodland Global and Yodel Transport.