facts - the transport professional’s magazine #50

The Transport Professional’s Magazine

£3.40 ISSUE 50 2009

VIEW THIS MAGAZINE ONLINE AT www.belljohnstone.co.uk

www.belljohnstone.co.uk 2009ISSUE50FACTS 5

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NEWS 6Good news from Norfolkline, 50 editions of FACTS, LVC demand strong, Is retirement still an option?

PHIL FLANDERS 9 RHA’s Scottish Director on air quality

BRIAN ADAM MSP 11 SNP’s Chief Whip on road accidents

BUS & COACH 19 Preview of Coach & Bus Live, EVE Coaches of Dunbar plus News&Profiles FLEET MANAGEMENT 32 DFT case study on John Mitchell (Grangemouth) LtdplusNews&Profiles VEHICLE CONVERSIONS 40 News&Profiles

WASTE MANAGEMENT 44 RWMExhibitionreviewplusNews&Profiles WHEELS & TYRES 48 News&Profiles Bell Johnstone are proud to be Allied Industry Members of theRoad Haulage Association.

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Contents

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Allied Industry Member

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Snap-on’s new 7.5 tonne 300 Series from Hinosupplied by Glasgow Commercials Copyright - All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without the written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited.

While due care and attention is taken to ensure that FACTS is accurate, the publishers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions.

© Copyright 2009 - Bell Johnstone & Co Ltd, FACTS and the Publisher accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributors, manufacturers or advertisers.

BELL JOHNSTONE COMMUNICATIONS, 34BERNARDSTREET•EDINBURGHEH66PR,Tel01315541129•Fax01315551622e-mail: [email protected] www.belljohnstone.co.uk

Subscription free to trade and education addresses, other subscribers, twelve editions by post £40.80, by cheque to the above.

Editorial - Tony Wood e-mail: [email protected] Editorial - Gary Heatly e-mail: [email protected]

Production - Sarah Crawford e-mail: [email protected] Title Manager - David Moffate-mail: [email protected] Sales Manager- John Boylee-mail: [email protected]

6 FACTSISSUE502009 www.belljohnstone.co.uk

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InthefirstthreemonthssinceNorfolkline reinstated the Rosyth - Zeebrugge continental ferry route, the company is reporting a successful summer in terms of leisure passenger numbers and new freight contracts coming on

stream each week.On the leisure front, the new service is carrying equal numbers of passengers to and from Scotland which is higher than the ratio of60:40outboundandinboundexperienced by the previous operator. Feedback from users is positiveandtheeconomicbenefitsto Scotland are enhanced by the higher number of travellers visiting the country. Overall passenger numbers are in line with the company’s forecasts for the high summer season and an enhanced package of promotional offers has been designed to encourage uptake in the traditionally quieter shoulder months.Norfolkline is currently working on contracting another major trade car operator, which will sit well with the existing Mercedes-Benz partnership and indicates that thebenefitsofshippingdirecttoScotlandisprovingbeneficialto

large car manufacturers. However, while interest from existing and potential freight customers is high, the global economic downturn has impacted on the volume of freight being carried.Commenting on the service Norfolkline Route Director, Bas van Helden, said: “Clearly in the current economic climate all aspects of business are affected and we are not immune to that. We do know that there are no issues of pricing or competition, but it is purely a case of lower freight volumes as a direct result of the impact of the credit crunch. This is not unique to Rosyth - Zeebrugge as we know that conditions are similar on many European routes. “More positively, all indications are that the route is welcomed and we are now shipping a good volume of container freight with a view to growing our trailer transport. Going forward, we obviously need

to retain the support of existing customers while they weather the downturn and attract new large companies as their existing contractual arrangements are renewed.“This remains a vital economic link between Scotland and the Continent and we are buoyed by thefactthatthefirstthreemonthshave been successful in terms of the service we provide, the reliability of the schedule and the way customers on both sides have embraced and used the route.”Norfolkline’s Scottish Viking operates three sailings a week each way. Departures from Rosyth are at 17:00GMT on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, arriving at 14:00 local time. The service returns from Zeebrugge on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 18:00CET, arriving in Rosyth at 13:00 local time.

Smooth passage for Norfolkline’s first quarter

Halcrow Group Ltd will continue to audit the management and maintenance of the Scottish Trunk Road network for the next seven years it was announced by Transport Minster Stewart Stevenson recently.The announcement comes on the award of a performance monitoring contract following exercise a tender exercise for the seven year commission taking into account both quality and price.Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson said: “Scotland’s trunk road network is estimated to have an asset value of over £17 billion and our operating companies currently employ around 1200 people collectively. It is therefore vital that we have in place systems that ensure we continue to give value for money while delivering the highest possible standards of work in a sustainable way. “This contract will build on the work of the Performance Audit Group to date to ensure everyone working on the operating contracts strives for continual improvement. This approach will ensure this vital asset delivers best value for the people and economy of Scotland.”The estimated cost of monitoring and auditing the management and maintenance of Scotland’s trunk roads over the term of the commission is around £18m. The contract itself provides assurance to Scottish Ministers and

the travelling public that value for money and levels of service are being maintained across the network.Donald Bell, Halcrow’s Regional Director added: “Halcrow’s expert team is delighted to be appointed by Transport Scotland to this important role. We look forward to working with Transport Scotland and its maintenance contractors to deliver value and innovation, putting Scotland at the forefront of international best practice.”The new contract will replace the current contract for the Performance Audit Group (PAG) in when it ends in December 2009. As with the current PAG contract, the new commission will be undertaken by Halcrow working in association with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Scott Wilson and TRL.As a further development, Transport Scotland has also selected four consultants - IBI Group, Mott McDonald, Mouchel and Serco Integrated Transport - for its Network Operations Framework Agreement. Through this agreement, these providers will support the continued development and innovation of the TrafficScotlandservice.The framework approach is designed to help deliver further value for money by engaging specialist consultants to help support the Government’s objective of improving journey time reliability.

Transport Scotland award performance monitoring contract

Stewart Stevenson


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BCA recorded unseasonably strong demand in the LCV sector during August, traditionally a month that sees lower values. Average values for fleetandlease,dealerpart-exchangeandnearlynewvansallrose,andforthefirsttimeallthreesectors achieved over 100% of CAP values.According to BCA’s Pulse report, average used LCV values across the board improved in August by £179 (5%) to reach £3745 the highest point since April 2008. Year-on-year values were ahead by over £500.Averagefleetandleasevanvaluesimprovedby £203 against July (up by 5.2%) to reach £4045-thefirsttimethe£4000barrierhasbeenbreached in sixteen months. Dealer-entered part-exchangestockroseby£160(7.5%)followinga9% rise in July and, after a sharp fall last month, nearly-new values recovered by over £1000 to £9034 - the third highest average monthly value in this sector this year.The average performance against CAP across theboardreachedanewhighpointof101.67%inAugustand,forthefirsttimeonrecord,allthree sectors averaged over 100% of CAP in the same month. Duncan Ward, BCA’s General Manager Commercial Sales commented: “August proved to be a remarkably strong month for LCV sales and certainly outperformed the customary ‘summer holiday season’ market.“Supplies of good retail quality vans were relatively limited and buyers were bidding strongly for thebestexamples-particularlyfromthefleetsector where competition was intense. A number of corporate vendors recorded 100% sales conversionsforthefirsttime,andmanysales

averaged over 100% of CAP across the board.” “Professional buyers who would usually buy stock exclusively from corporate sources were having tolookfurtherafieldandwerebiddingonyoungeror older vehicles to stock their forecourts.” Ward explained: “The end result was to increase demandnotjustforfleetandleasevans,butalsofor the nearly-new and the dealer P/X vehicles. IncreasedbuyertrafficonBCA’sLiveOnlineinternet bidding service also suggested that dealers were looking far and wide to meet the needs of their retail customers.”BCA’s report asks the question that with September values traditionally representing a peak in the annual price cycle, could values be

climbingagainfollowingaperiodoffivemonthswhen they have remained fairly static?Ward commented: “As this has occurred in a month that usually records weaker prices, this couldyetmarkasignificantpointinthepricerecovery for LCVs. If such a rise had occurred in September, it would have been equally welcomed by vendors, but much less notable. It remains to be seen if the market is going to march on into the Autumn months and perhaps consistently register values to compare with the market highpoint in early 2008.”

For more information: www.british-car-auctions.co.uk

Here at FACTS we are celebrating 50 issues of the magazine - and we have certainly come a long way since it first arrived on the desks of subscribers back in October 2003.Back then of course the magazine was called Fleet, Agricultural and Commercial Transport in Scotland, now it has been redefined to Fleet and Commercial Transport in Scotland. And despite the recent economic downturn we are going from strength-to-strength with a 52-page glossy magazine hitting desks each month.Back in that first issue Managing Editor Tony wrote about a recent fuel price hike - a similar problem as the industry is currently facing six years later - and new health and safety guidelines into driving at work were set to be released.Then, as now, the magazine was full of news, views and

features focusing on key areas of the industry and companies advertising their latest product or service. And a flick to the last editorial page in that issue shows an article regarding the Road Haulage Modernisation Fund and quoting none other than RHA Regional Director Phil Flanders.Avid readers will know that Phil, now Scottish Director of the RHA, has been a columnist in the magazine for a long while now and the addition of SNP Chief Whip as a columnist has been greatly welcomed by our readership. Their two columns mixed in with news and topical features makes FACTS a valuable part of the industry - something we hope will continue for many years to come.Tony Wood, Managing Editor of Bell Johnstone Communications who publish the title, said: “We

are delighted to be sending out our 50th issue to all our valued readers and we look forward to bringing you the all the news that affects the industry over the coming 50 issues. “I would like to say thank you to

everyone who has contributed, advertised and subscribed to FACTS over the last six years and I look forward to continuing to deal with you as we move forward.”

LCV demand ‘unseasonably strong’ in August

50 not out for FACTS


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Retirement has become more elusive than ever for transport bosses as the UK struggles to emerge from recession, according to new research.Meanwhile, they also remain overwhelmingly dismissive of Government attempts to stimulate bank lending to businesses through the Enterprise Finance Guarantee.The survey from Clifton Asset Management, which provides specialist financial and strategic advice to SMEs, shows that 83% of business owners feel their retirement is further away now than it was a year ago. This compares with 79% in the previous quarter’s survey, and 59% 12 months ago.“Despite recent speculation about ‘green

shoots’, we are still deep in the worst recession in living memory and it is no surprise to see this fact reflected in the way small business owners see their future prospects,” said Neil Greenaway, Managing Director of Clifton Asset Management.More than a third - 34% - of companies in the survey said they had been forced to shed jobs over the past six months, with 10% saying they may be forced to reduce their payroll even further. A small number - 3% - say they have not yet had to shed jobs but anticipate having to do so in the coming months.“These figures give some cause for optimism that the worst may be over but they should be treated with caution,” said Greenaway.

“For example, the number of those who say they have not had to reduce staff numbers in order to survive, and furthermore do not anticipate having to do so, continues to fall each quarter, and is below 50% in our latest survey.“Likewise only a quarter of businesses who took part in our survey are now operating a company pension scheme, and of those, a little over half are continuing to make regular contributions. This speaks volumes about our current financial plight and the degree of apprehension most business owners have about the future.”

Unite, the UK’s biggest union, is warning that retailers and oil companies will unleash industrial conflictonthepetroleumsectorthis winter if they press forward with destructive plans to break up their commercial contracts. The warning comes amid the recent announcement from BP that it intends to put all its in-house contracts out to the market for tendering. Moreover, Unite is concerned that BP’s move to end national negotiations will be soon followed by an other fuel major, Esso, and with news emerging that retailer Sainsburys also intends to split its national contract and instead use a number of suppliers,

there is increasing concern among the union that there is a deliberate strategy to end the direct employment of tanker drivers across the sector with the aim of ending national bargaining on pay, terms and conditions. Unite believes this is certain to lead to a race to the bottom in pay and pensions provision across the petroleum sector - but is warning thatallsuchmoveswillbefiercelyresisted.If forced through, the BP contract break will hit some 500 workers, including those based at the major fuel distribution sites at Grangemouth and Stanlow. Ron Webb, National Secretary for

logistics and the tanker drivers section of Unite, said: “It is clearly evident that the retail and the oil companies have a clear strategy to break up national negotiating agreements. We see this not just as an attack on our members’ union, but also on their pay and working conditions. “But BP, Esso, the other oil companies and the retailers need to heed our warning. This is a concerted and deliberate strategy to drive down workers’ wages and break their union which Unite will resist. “Our members are outraged by these moves, so much so that they have mandated their union

to make preparations for a ballot for industrial action. These moves are unnecessary, unwise and will only bring instability to this vital industry.“A stable fuel industry is essential to the smooth running of our economy and our public services. So we cannot stand by while oil majors and retailers decide that theirprofitsmustcomebeforeensuring we have a stable petroleum sector. We will oppose all attempts to break national contracts and usher in a race to the bottom because it is certain to wreck havoc on our national oil distribution system.”

Retirement hopes continue to fade

Destruction of contracts could see winter fuel supplies hit, warns Unite

Reigart hits the road with Andover heavy hauler

Scottish demolition specialist Reigart Contracts have taken delivery of a step frame trailer

which will be used to transport the company’s heavy plant across Scotland.The tri-axle trailer is

the fourth vehicle to be supplied by Andover Trailers to the Lanarkshire-based company and will operate in conjunction with a ScaniaR500LA6x4tractorunit.The 13.2 metre long bespoke builtSFCL50benefitsfromaspecificationwhichincludesalowprofileneck,slideoutextensionsto the deck, bridge and beavertail and 1-metre wide power toe ramps with hydraulic sideways.Reigart Contracts Transport Manager Tom Reilly, comments: “Wecontinuallyupgradeourfleetto ensure that we are constantly mobile and able to meet deadlines and the purchase of the Andover Trailers step frame is part of this investment.”The 38-tonne capacity SFCL 50 isfittedwithaGigantself-tracking

and lifting rear axle, together with air-suspension and raise/lower controls built-in as standard and will transport a range of plant equipment from mini to 35 tonne 360degreeexcavatorswitha35-metre reach.Thespecificationalsoincludesa15,000 lb Comeup electric winch with remote control and a 24 volt power pack to run the hydraulics.Additional features include toolboxesfittedintotheupperdeck,hardwoodfloorandtwo-speed leg gear. The trailer is expected to stay on the Reigart Contractsfleetforeightyearsandcover 800,000 km.

For more information: www.andovertrailers.co.uk


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Over the last few months a number of Scottish local authorities have raised concerns about air quality in towns and cities, especially Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee.The assumptions in their initial studies wrongly prioritise lorries as being the main source of pollution.Manywithinthefreightindustryfindthis hard to believe as trucks only go into towns for deliveries or collections. On a number of occasions I have checked a few of the “hotspots” and have to say I have seen very few “ trucks” but many small vans, especially utility vehicles and also plenty buses, taxis and cars. Instead of targeting lorries that have to deliver goods to town centres, trucks account for about 4% of all vehicles in the UK but account for approximately 12% of all miles travelled.Iwouldimaginethatfigurewouldnotbe any higher for urban travel.Councils should be introducing measures to get people out of their cars in order to reduce congestion - and therefore pollution. Commuters have a choice - there isn’t one for city centre deliveries.Councils have to reduce CO2, NOx and pm10’s in towns by law (European dictat) to a lower levelorfaceseverefinancialpenalties.Atthe moment they are trying to achieve this on a voluntary basis, but soon this approach may have to change. Low emission zones are the new buzzwords and I fear that the freight industry will bear the brunt purely because Councils automatically single out lorries for action - partly because they are an easier target and don’t lose the Council votes.In several instances, some kinds of pollution are beyond the control of councils. This type is called background pollution. In Perth for example, some of this PM10 pollution apparently comes from wood burning stoves in Scandanavia and is carried here on the wind! This is background pollution which cannot be reduced by what happens in Scotland and thus places a higher burden on transport users here in Scotland. In one part, 75% of particulate pollution is background.Looking further ahead, both UK and Scottish Governments have set a target of an 80% reduction in CO2 by 2050. It is more than 40 years away but there are targets to be achieved enroutetothismagicalfigure(34%reductionby2020) which is challenging to say the least.Adding to this, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a report on major air pollutants, showing a decline in levels in theEUin2007.Thereportfindsthatin2007,sulphur oxides (SOx) emissions were down by 72% compared to 1990 levels. The EEA said that the downward emission trend of the three main pollutants causing “ground-level ozone” continued in 2007, with carbon monoxide (CO) falling 57%, non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) down

47%andnitrogenoxides(NOx)fallingby36%.However,whileoverallfiguresshowsignificantdecline, the EEA noted that the residential and roadtransportsectorswerethemostsignificantsources of air pollutants. Heavy duty vehicles werefoundtobethemostsignificantsourceof NOx, while passenger cars were among the top six most polluting sources for CO, NOx, primary particulate matter (PM2.5) and NMVOC.So, with all this continuing pressure, it is going to be a challenging future for the road freight industry.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) reveal that 11,000 fix penalty notices have already been issued in Great Britain and over half a million pounds collected in deposits for a range of traffic offences with over 800 vehicles being immobilised since the agency started issuing fixed penalties on May 28.

The Northern Ireland version is just at the consultation stage with the likelihood of implementation form April 2010 onwards. It will be similar to the English version but cash will not be taken as deposits.In Scotland deposits cannot be taken at the moment and VOSA do not have the powers to stop. These two issues should be rectified sometime next year.In GB, VOSA can apply six different penalties (three vehicle and three traffic) at one stop with a maximum of two endorsable offences. The N Ireland version will be three in total with a maximum of one endorsable.Both in Northern Ireland and England/Wales - if you do not appeal and do not pay within the 28 days they will take you to court for non payment. In Scotland, if you do not pay within 28 days you are deemed to have not accepted the penalty and the authorities will take you to trial!A united approach for the United Kingdom?

Air pressure leads to challenges

Phil Flanders Scottish Director - Road Haulage Association


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Minorplanet, a global leader in the telematics and vehicle management systems industry, have appointed Glenn Pearson as UK Sales Director.Glenn (49), originally from Glasgow, has over 20yearsexperienceinautomotiveandfleetmanagement and has worked in senior roles for Saab, Vauxhall, Ford and Honda. He joins Minorplanet from NHS Scotland where he was involved in patient services, including quality, policy and customer handling for Glasgow’s

acute hospitals.Terry Donovan, Minorplanet’s CEO welcomed the new appointment. He said: “Glenn brings a wealth of experience and his appointment will help us to develop future strategy and corporate opportunity, customer service and simplify our proposition.“He joins us at an exciting time when Minorplanet is reinforcing its position at the cutting edge of the telematics industry. The company is the founding

father of the industry in the UK and has an unrivalled presence in the global market. Glenn’s appointment will help to take us forward to the next stage of our development.” Glenn is married with three children. An outdoor pursuits enthusiast he also plays rugby for Ivy Bridge in Devon.

For more information:www.minorplanet.com

Minorplanet appoints new Sales Director

Thomson Removals, based in Ayrshire, have taken delivery of two new Volvo FE trucks. The pantechnicon-bodied, 4x2 rigid vehiclesjoinamixedfleetofeight trucks and will work on both domestic and commercial removals. According to Matt Thomson - the company’s joint founder and owner - aftersales service and running costs were the critical factors in the choice of Volvo. ”WegotourfirstVolvoin2005and have never had any problems since,” says Thomson. “The

aftersales and maintenance support we’ve had is the reason we’ve stuck with them. It’s a very good package, which allows us to predict costs reliably. If they can, the mechanics willfixsmallproblemsonthespotas soon as you drive in to Volvo’s premisesatHeathfieldBusinessPark outside Ayr. The overnight servicing is great, too, as we can dropatruckoffat6pmandbebackontheroadat6amthenextmorning. They really look after us.” The supplying Dealer - Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland

- at St. Quivox will continue to care for both vehicles.Plated for operation at 18 tonnes GVW and matching Volvo D7F 240hp7-litreenginesto6-speedmanual gearboxes, the Vancraft-bodied, six-metre wheelbase trucks also put in a strong performance on running costs. Thomson remarks: “We received great service from Robert Brown, who organised our trucks from start until delivery, keeping us informed at all stages of the build. Our drivers are also very pleased

with the new interior, comfort and modern look to the new Volvo FE. We will certainly be looking at purchasing more vehicles from Volvo Dealer in Ayr as the company grows in the future.”

Economical choice for Thomson Removals

Matt Thomson


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A warm welcome during a cold spell to you from another month’s news from your favourite Holyrood correspondent (no not Brian Taylor, Brian Adam). It would seem that I bring you the same fuel duty hike story almost as often as the BBC tries to spin out a new angle from the Lockerbie case. Regardless of either of our views on both stories, their effects are upon us now. As one transport chief put it, this is the third fuel duty hike since last December. As “bail out” money is thrown right, left, and centre at the banks, and as promises are made not to raise taxes, the numbers at the pumps tell a very different story. We are looking at prices very similar to the exuberant levels of last year, rising close to the 110 pence a litre mark in many areas. The only relief, if you can call it that, as stated last month, is that the price gap between petrol and diesel now seems to have disappeared. Last year someone could be forgiven for thinking that diesel users were being overly penalised compared to petrol users. As far as I understand it, we have the highest fuel tax rates in Europe. Once again pleas were made with the chancellor by a number of interested parties, motions were lodged here in Holyrood, our devolved powers simply aren’t enough to have any real impact on such matters.

We have had a number of major incidents on the road in the past month, especially in the course of one week. Starting with what reports called a dying hurricane as it hit Scottish shores. I saw one broadcast which suggested we had the equivalent of a month’s worth of rain in a day; surely that is saying a lot in Scotland considering how much rainfall we surely get. I know that in my own neck of the woods good portions of the North East’s roads were under water. There was even a certain degree of flooding in Aberdeen City Centre itself. The A96 was also closed in parts around Keith for a certain period of time due to flooding. On the other side of the country the weather caused a landslide on the A83. It took 48 hours to clear the road, but it appears to be back in normal operation just now. I can only imagine that the weather at that time must have caused a large amount of disruption for most drivers, especially hauliers who take a tougher toll from road closures. As I have been writing this article it has also come to my attention that one of Scotland’s major arteries, the M8, has become severely congested due to a lorry fire and chemical spill. Hopefully there are no serious casualties from the accident. Luckily I am neither a Kilmarnock nor a Hearts fan, whose game was cancelled, so my football was not interrupted. Speaking of football, I am of course disappointed that possible holiday locations for next year will certainly not include a trip to South Africa, but another championship passes by where we all pick another underdog to support.

In next month’s article I will be looking at another kind of goal as I review the effects of the latest piece of legislation to pass in Scotland in the Climate Change Bill. This will have a number of repercussions, and I will do my best to analyze what affect this will have on the industry. Parliament is now once again in full swing, and this year’s legislative programme has just been

announced. Most of it will not have quite as large an effect on hauliers in business terms. The changes hoping to be made range from changes in the legal profession to action on debt as well asthehighprofilepotentialchangestoourownconstitution as a nation in the referendum bill. It is another exciting year in minority government. Until next month!

Number of incidents on the roads

Brian Adam MSP SNP Chief Whip


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A commercial door specialist have revealed savingsofaround£60,000afterintroducingvehicletrackingtoitsfleet.Midland Door Services invested in technology from Navman Wireless, one of the UK’s largest provider of vehicle tracking*, in a bid to cut costs and have been staggered by the “phenomenal” savings it has made.“I’ve calculated that the system is saving me £28,000 a year in overtime costs alone,” said John Lunt, Managing Director, Midland Door Services.“AsaformerfieldengineerIknowthatoverestimating the time a job takes is a common practice, but because vehicle tracking allows us to see where all our vehicles are at any one time, there’s now no room for doubt.”As a consequence, exaggerated overtime claims have been totally eradicated and the company estimates it is saving around two hours a day for each of its eight engineers.Vehicle tracking is also helping the company save money in other areas:“Knowing exactly where our vehicles are has meant staff have stopped using company fuel when driving vans out of working hours,” Lunt added.“It used to cost the company about £100 a week per vehicle, just for fuel used by staff outside work. By prohibiting private use of our

vans and being able to monitor that with total accuracy, we’re saving around £31,000 a year in fuel.” For their part, Midland Door Services’ employeeshavebenifitedfromthetechnologythanks to the role it can play in preventing substantialbenefit-in-kindtaxpaymentsoncompany vans.

For a company allowing employees unrestricted private mileage in their vehicles, each employee can be hit with a bill of as much as £3500.

For more information: 0845 521 1122 or www.navmanwireless.co.uk

Savings after eradicating fake mileage and over-time claims

An advanced vehicle health check tool that has helped car dealers dramatically increase upsell results during the recession is now being offered to commercial vehicle dealers.The Dealer Datapen from Forester Grant Associates has helped car dealers identify an average upsell value of £224 during the last 12 months with a conversion rate to sales of around 55%.FGA Managing Director Tim McGing said that interest had been growing from commercial vehicle dealers aware of the product’s success in the car sector and that trials within van and truck workshops had proven successful.He said: “The Dealer Datapen was originally designed for the car sector and has proven highly successful there but it can be easily adapted for use by commercial vehicle dealers and initial results are encouraging.“It is already in place at a number of sites including Hendy Truck and Bus, and we are currently in the process of stepping up our

sales and marketing campaign to commercial vehicle dealers.”The Dealer Datapen was launched by FGA in 2007 and is now in use by 90 car dealers from 20 different franchises including Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Porsche, Subaru, Jaguar, Mazda, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Suzuki, Vauxhall, Volkswagen and Volvo.In total, car dealers have found upsell work to a value of more than £1.6millionsincetherecessionstarted in the second quarter of 2008 using the Dealer Datapen - with around a 55 per cent conversion to sales.McGing said: “The Datapen allows staff to complete quickly and easily a point by point checklist on digital paper for every vehicle that passes through a dealer’s workshop, identifying additional work that can be upsold to the customer. These can range from wear items like tyres to major mechanical issues.“In the recessionary environment of the last 12 months, this upsell revenue has proven extremely

useful for dealers who are frequently relyingonmaximisingprofitabilityintheir aftersales departments to keep them in business.“Wearefindingthatinterestinthe Datapen is continuing to grow rapidly at the moment because it requires only minimum investment but can be up and running and producing results in a matter of days. Word of mouth is especially strong.”McGing added that because there is no need to enter information on a PC,workshopstafffindcompletingthe Datapen checklist fast and easy, meaning they can still use the system even in the busiest workshop environment.He said: “Within a hectic workshop, a PC with a mouse and keyboard or even a PDA is not the ideal means of recording information - the digital pen is much more natural and easy-to-use and, because of this, technicians are happier using it and, crucially, more likely to complete the checksinthefirstplace.“Using something that looks and feels like a normal pen and paper

as you complete the checklist is fast and easy, and presents an easy andefficientwaytofindadditionalrevenue.”Through FGA’s Digital Vehicle Health Check software, which is designed to work in conjunction with the Datapen, dealers can instantly: •seethenumberofvehicle checklists carried out per technician, per workshop, per dealer, per day, week or month •checktheamountofupsell identifiedoneachjobby technician, workshop, dealer, per day, week, month •useFGA’sweb-basedsoftware to contact the customer at the required time for the referral workidentifiedatthetimeofthe checkThe information recorded using the Datapen can also be transferred into almost any other dealer IT system.

For more information: 01895 453770

Commercial vehicle dealerships targeted for upselling


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A warm welcomePowerwasher Services of Laurencekirk have been officially appointed as a dealer for the Thermobile range of warm air heaters in Scotland.Established for over 25 years the company prides itself on excellent after sales service and they work closely with their clients to ensure that everyone gets the equipment they need.The Thermobile range is possibly the largest in the commercial market and consists of models operating on either paraffin / diesel, propane gas and electric.

Powerwasher Services keep a range of portable and mobile heaters in stock for immediate delivery and can also advise on stationary heating systems.The company,as the name implies, also provide an extensive range of pressure washers and cleaning equipment for sale or hire and offer a no obligation and free equipment demonstration.

For more information contact: Jack Whitecross on 01674 840412 orwww.powerwasherservices.co.uk

Thermobile Direct Fired Oil Heaters

Tel: 01674 840412

Whether you’re an owner, driver or a fleet manager, if you want to cut the cost of maintaining and repairing your vehicles, without scrimping on safety, then HGV Direct says you can look no further than www.hgvdirect.co.ukHGV Direct, which operates six branches as well as its hugely successful e-commerce site, provides genuine parts and spares for leading makes of trucks including Scania, DAF and Ford. The website is extremely quick and easy to use and its extensive on-line product catalogue encompasses everything from truck and trailer hardware,

electrical and lighting products to oils and lubricants, exhausts and aircon parts, tools and in-cab equipment. To search, simply select the type of part, vehicle, trailer, manufacturer or HGV filter and the product you need is only a click or two away. Parts are delivered direct to your door - with a minimum one year warranty as standard.What’s more, HGV Direct’s qualified and experienced staff are available by phone or email to provide technical advice. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for then they’re happy to source non-standard products too.HGV Direct’s sister company provides ABS and EBS braking, suspension, and electrical fault diagnostics through its service centres and mobile vans.

For more information: www.hgvdirect.co.uk

All under one roof


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Today, Juratek is recognised as one of Europe’s leading distributors of brake discs, pads and drums for heavy commercial vehicles, trailers and buses. The Juratek brand is well known throughout Europe for its quality, durability and in-service performance. Juratek employ highly skilled engineers with vast experience in the development of brake discs and drums, they have invested in the very latest CMM (Co-ordinated measuring machines) capable of measuring to 1000th of a millimetre in 5 axis to ensure that that the product they produce is perfect in every way. They analyse product hardness and strength as well as chemical composition to ensure that the product that they release into the market place is more than fitforpurpose.Andjustincasethey have a batch control system that allows them to identify from which factory the goods were produced, when it arrived in the UK, when it was quality inspected and to which distributors it was delivered and when. Today Juratek boast of a returns rate 0.192% and an actual warranty rate of 0.05%, enviable statistics in any industry. Their range of brake pads are all R90 compliant even though this is not a legal requirement for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes in the UK. All pad testing

is carried out by BTI International Ltd in Leicestershire a recognized industry leading brake pad and disc testing company.As a result of these very high quality standards, Juratek pads arefittedbyteamOliverandTeam Frankie, two of Europe’s leading truck racing teams. Stuart Oliver, who is the current British champion, has been using Juratek pads since the end of last season. He said: “The pads that Juratek supply work very well, in fact better than any used previously.”Stuart says the key factor to his outstanding achievements to date in2009isduetotheconfidenceand performance of his Juratek brakes; “this gives me a perfect feel through the brake pedal and allows me to stand the truck on its nose at the last possible moment”. At the start of 2009 Team Frankie theofficialRenaultTruckRacingTeam tested Juratek discs and pads against their current OE material, after the initial test run Team Engineer Daniel Stagl reported; “during our test runs in Nogaro, France we fully tested and approved Juratek discs and pads for use on our two racing trucks. Both drivers, Frankie and Markus, havebeenverysatisfiedwiththeperformance of both the brake pads and discs, also the analyses of the telemetry showed that the Juratek brake pads were very

powerful and work very well in our race trucks.”Juratek are not just a buy it, store it and sell it company, like many distributors in Europe. They accept full ownership of their product from

the time they create the production drawing and model to the time it comes to the end of its service life.

For more information: www.juratek.com

Juratek disc and pad range - “From the track to the road”


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Trukrax Vehicle Racking Systems have just launched their brand new ‘Toploader’ ladder loading systemthathasbeenspecificallydesignedforhighroofed vans. Trukrax who are one of the leading commercial roof rack manufacturers in the UK have had their side loading ladder loading systems for low roof vans available for several years, and this new system now gives users the safest possible way of loading and unloading ladders onto a high roof van.Incorporating gas springs and dampers, the system is operated stood at the passenger side of the van; unlike any other system on the market the Toploader is always kept under control by these

springs and dampers so that even if the operator removes their hands there is no fear that the system will fall causing injury.Trukrax say they have already supplied over 30 of these into a major housing association and they saytheyarefinalisingcontractswithbothanotherhousing association and a local authority. Scott Finding, Trukrax Sales and Marketing Manager stated: “The new Toploader is a fantastic product thatfinallysolvestheissueofloadingladdersontohigh roof vans safely, unlike rear loading systems where the operator stands at the back of the vehicle, (potentially in the road), this system is operated stood on the pavement at the side of the van.”

Having recently exhibited at an APSE event in Cardiff, Scott went on to say that the interest shown was exceptional with many leads to follow up in the near future, several of which were with Local Authorities based in Scotland.When asked why they had chosen the peak of a recession to launch a new product, Scott stated, “HealthandSafetymustalwaysplayasignificantpart in any companies decision making process whether in a recession or not, and due to this delaying the launch of the Toploader was never really considered.”

For more information: www.roofrack.co.uk

Toploader launched

LCV of the year 2009Citroën’s Berlingo continues its award-winning ways with the announcement on September 29 that the new Berlingo Crew Van has been voted the Institute of Transport Management’s LCV of the year. This recently launched addition to the Berlingo range appealed to the Institute of Transport Management’s (ITM) panel of judges for its green

credentials, low CO2 emissions, ultra-flexiblecombinationofpassenger and load capacity and excellent value-for-money.The ITM judges were impressed by theBerlingoCrewVan’sflexibility,with its innovative sliding/folding rear seat and bulkhead, which allows the vehicle to be used either asafive-seaterwitha1320mmlong, 2.4cu.m capacity load

compartment or a two-seater with an 1805mm long, 3.35cu.m load compartment-withoutsacrificingeither safety or passenger comfort.A further impressive feature of the Berlingo Crew Van was the inclusionofTrafficmasterSmartnavand Trackstar stolen vehicle tracking system - which is unique in this LCV sector. The Berlingo Crew Van is competitively priced

and the VAT is fully reclaimable by UK-registered businesses. Robert Handyside, Commercial Vehicle Operations Manager, said: “We are delighted that the Institute of Transport Management has recognised Citroën’s considerable environmental strengths and the merits of the brilliantly versatile Citroën Berlingo Crew Van with this prestigious award.”


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The current series of ‘Fuelwatch’ seminars run by Volvo Trucks around the UK has enjoyed considerable success with around 100 customers attending the eight sessions held to date.The programme, which began in May, was originally intended to end in November, but has been extended until December because of customer demand, with a further 10 sessions planned by the end of the year.Response among customers has been extremely positive, with several already considering follow-up action such as contracting into Volvo’s Fuel Management Service.Day Aggregates, for example, are intalksaboutatrialofDynafleetfuel telematics and Phil Loughney, Transport Manager of Tyneside based demolition operator G. O’Brien & Sons, is equally enthusiastic. “Saving diesel is a big factor these days,” he remarks, “in terms not

just of cost, but of carbon footprint. The seminar was very good, very interesting, and we’re setting up a more in-depth meeting. The Fuel Management Service sounds the business; if we go ahead with it, we’ll look at employing a full-time staff member just to monitor fuel use. If theprojectionsareaccurate,ourfleetof 38 trucks could be making savings in the region of £80k per year.”According to Chris Evans, Volvo’s TIS and Sector Manager and the man behind the seminars, the subject matter is particularly relevant to the current economic climate and offers a detailed and challenging look at every factor in fuel use. “We cover everything from fuel types to aerodynamics to vehicle specification,”saysEvans.“Werunthrough the principles involved and then we ask questions and get into a lotofspecificdetail.““We challenge the customers and

their assumptions quite seriously,” Evans continues: “and we try to make it as interactive as possible, getting customers up to do presentations - which give the material the credibility it deserves.”Driven by customer participation, some sessionshave run to over three hours and were described by Chris Cooling, Transport Operations Manager of Day Aggregates, as “well presented and very informative”.From Volvo’s point of view, says Chris Evans the seminars are “a business growth opportunity as part

of our total offer,” but he points out the unique nature of the services available from the company as follow-up to the events.“What we constantly hear from customers is that lots of other manufacturers offer telematics, but all they provide is raw data,” he explains, “However, as far as we’re aware, only Volvo is providing interpretation, analysis and practical solutions based on that data.”

For more information: www.volvo.com

Adverc’s main priority on all systems they build is that performance must not be compromised or jeopardised by battery problems. One system which has proved extremely popular on supermarket vehicles is the Guardian TA5B, this has been taken on-board by Mercedes and hasforthelastfiveyearsbeenfittedonthelineinMolsheim for Tesco vehicles and onto new build Mercedes in the UK for Sainburys. It has been used on Volvo and MAN for major supermarkets onbothnewbuildandretrofit.The Guardian provides low voltage protection,

and is available in several forms. The simplest system, the Guardian ‘L’ type provides a visual and/or audible alarm in the event of a low voltage situation. It does, however, have a spur that can activate a relay, at a chosen voltage, selecting or disengaging nominated circuits.The Guardian ‘A’ version works in conjunction with a relay/solenoid, providing isolation of the battery or electrical equipment should an unacceptable low battery voltage condition arise.A combined lamp and button in the vehicles cab provides a visual indication of the time remaining

before isolation. The button provides instant isolation i.e. without waiting for a low voltage condition to arise, or pulls the solenoid back-in, once it has isolated.The Guardan ‘TA’ unit provides the same end result, without the visual warning. The 24TA5, hasbeendevelopedwithfleetoperatorsinmind and the need to isolate a vehicle tail-lift, in the event of a low battery voltage situation jeopardising engine starting.Itprovidesa‘fitandforget’approachandthevehicle driver is in no way involved, other than to start the vehicle The new development provides a‘fitandforget’approach,wherethe tail-lift immobilises at a predetermined battery voltage and re-connects, automatically, when the engine is started. There are no lamps or switches on the dashboard and no driver involvement is necessary, other than to start the engine.The Guardian ‘TAB’ is a ‘TA’ system enclosed in a near water-proof box. It is especially suitable forvehiclefleetapplications,forOEorretrofitinstallations. In this instance, the installation time for this bolt-on approach is approximately 10 minutes, because everything can be customised for a particular vehicle.Pictured is a Mercedes Econic vehicle which is run on compressed natural gas for inner London deliveries for Tesco. Adverc employees recentlywentdowntoMiltonKeynesandfitteda Guardian on it to ensure that the tail-lift had protection.

For more information:www.adverc.co.uk

Successful seminars

Guardian TA5B going from strength-to-strength


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Coach & Bus Live 2009 takes place at Birmingham’s NEC on October 7-8 and Show Director MarkGriffinisdelightedtoannounce that the show has completely sold out. There will be 205 exhibitors taking part including all the leading vehicle manufacturers, product, service and technology related suppliers. A late surge in stand enquiries has led to a waiting list as anxious would-be exhibitors wait to see whether or not they canbesqueezedontothefloorplan somewhere. Griffinbelievesthisresurgenceof interest in Coach & Bus Live isareflectionagrowingmoodof cautious optimism amongst the industry and that for many businesses this exhibition marks a symbolic start on the path to economic recovery. He commented: “Coach & Bus Live presents a crucial opportunity for the industry; acting like a weather gauge as to where new business is coming from rather than looking back in too much detail of what has been lost. We have many exhibitors participating intheshowtoseehowtheycanfillorders for next year and beyond. The show is now a key date for everyone in the industry.”One of those companies who have chosen to use Coach and Bus Live as an opportunity to engage with

the industry is the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LCVP). Appearing as an exhibitor and on the seminar platform this year will be Jonathan Murray, Deputy Director of LCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership) who will be providing operators and councils keentorungreenerbusfleetswith important advice on how they should go about accessing their share of the Department of Transport £30m fund for low carbon buses.LCVP’s participation at the show is all the more timely given the manufacturers’ particularly big promotion of environmentally friendly vehicles at this year’s show. Visitors will be able to test drive a range of latest manufacturers’ vehicles at the show. For example, ADL Plaxton’s Enviro 200 single deck and Enviro 400 double deck as well as Optare’sfuelefficientDualFuelSolo SR, Olympus Triaxle and Soroco Coach will feature.Inadditiontoapackedshowfloor,including 30 new exhibitors, there will be an impressive outdoor displayshowcasingaround60vehicles plus a whole range of special show features.A totally interactive experience fromstarttofinish;visitorswillhave the opportunity tohave their driving skills independently and impartially tested under the expert

and watchful gaze of Coach Displays UK in the Volvo sponsored Skills Challenge. Those operators seeking to make their money and their vehicles go further as well as keep the right side of the law will have opportunity to do so in the all new VOSA run Workshop Live. Running twice daily on both October 7 and 8, these 20 minute demonstrations will cover PSV Annual Test, PSV Walkround Checks and Driver Hours.Coach and Bus Live will also be introducing two new feature areas for 2009: Technology Zone with an extensive showcase of the latest IT and telecommunication developments and the GoSkills supported Training & Development Zone where visitors are invited to discover the very latest in careers training and advice.

Visitors attending the 2009 seminar programme will have the opportunity to keep themselves up-to-speed with the very latest industry issues under the overarching conference theme “Working together: steering a course through recession and the opportunities that lies ahead”. With such well known and respected industryfiguresasHughSumnerfrom the ODA, Colin Robertson from ADL and Ian Morgan CPT President as well as Deputy Chairman of trent barton; it’s certain to be a lively and thought provoking couple of days.

To pre-register for the show simply go to: www.coachandbuslive.com and click on the “register here” button

Marcus HallPR and Marketing Manager, Coach & Bus Live 2009

Industry in the spotlight for sold out show


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Unwin Safety Systems (Stand G10), the leading specialist in safety solutions for wheelchair users, will be exhibiting amongst their complete range the new ‘Dock N Lock’ system along with Titan and Traxion.The recently launched ‘Dock N Lock’ system for securing wheelchairs and powerchairs in a vehicle represents an innovation in drive from wheelchair technology. It has been successfully tested to sustain a wheelchair or powerchair weighing up to 200kg and exceeds ISO10542 and SAEJ2249 standards. It has been specificallyengineeredtoofferpractical features, easy and quick securement, a sleek appearance and does not require high levels of maintenance. ‘Dock N Lock’ offers a single anchoring point for wheelchair and powerchair users to secure themselves without assistance. Itconsistsofafloor-welldockingmodule with dual locking action, a specificallydesignedwheelchairbracket and both electric and manual dashboard mounted remote release systems. The compact docking module offers high levels of manoeuvrability for users to secure themselves from any angle, aesthetic looks to blend in with vehicle interiors, and its dual locking mechanism provides rigid stability, maximum safety and eliminatesvibrations.Thelowprofilewheelchair bracket is designed to ensure the highest ground clearance to eliminate snagging on carpets and uneven surfaces, while the remote release includes a visible and audible warning indicator for users’ peace of mind.

The Titan range secures transportable powerchairs weighing up to 200kg when travelling in all types of accessible vehicles. Leading the way in heavy duty restraint development, Unwin originally designed the Titan range tomeetthespecificrequirementsof wheelchair manufacturer Invacare. Understanding the need for a generic solution, Unwin Safety Systems has recently developed Titan 1, a universal system for transportable wheelchairs weighing up to 200kg. The Titan 2, 3 and 4 systems were developedtofitparticularInvacaremodels and over time the range has evolved to accommodate other wheelchair brands such as Balder and Handicare. The complete range has been dynamically tested with wheelchair models to meet ISO 10542-5 and 7176-19standardsandoffersoutstanding passenger safety without compromise. Traxion from Unwin Safety Systems represents a ground breaking advance in removable seatfixturedesign.Thesleeklooking M1 standard Traxion, which has recently been enhanced with a more visible locking spline, providing the easiest and fastest seat position adjustment.Unwin Safety Systems’ products are trusted by professionals internationally who require auditable product performance regardless of vehicle or wheelchair type, manual or powered. Unwin say they continue to provide innovative, crash tested solutions that maximise accessibility and ensure peace of mind for wheelchair seated passengers, their families and their carers.

For more information:www.unwin-safety.com Volvo Bus (Stand A3) will be underlining their comprehensive aftermarket service offer at the show.Volvo has long been acknowledged as providing market leading support for the many thousands of Volvo buses and coaches on the road throughout the British Isles and

beyond. Access to this level of support continues to be a major factor when operators make their vehicle purchasing decisions.Volvo Bus will be showcasing the many facets of its Customer Services - including its extensive dealer network, its genuine Volvo parts programme and Volvo Action Service, its round the clock European-wide emergency breakdown service. Not forgetting Volvo Frontline - Volvo’s national mobile support service for bus and coach operators, delivering anything from routine maintenance, warranty work and technical issue resolution at a customer’s own premises.Volvo will also be using the show to highlight its free winter check programme, which is now available to all owners of Volvo coaches, as part of Volvo’s on going commitment to support operators in what, for many, are tough times. A special liveried Volvo 9700 coach will promote this offer on the stand, alongside an example of the latest Volvo B9TL Eclipse Gemini 2 Double Deck bus, due to enter service with First London. A Volvo 9700 coach will also feature in the ever popular Skills Test, where visitors can test their driving skills on a specially designed course immediately outside Hall 18.

For more information: www.volvobus.co.uk VDO (Stand T23) will be promoting their full range of remote tachograph downloading technology, the latest methods of analysis and archiving of tachograph data, instrumentation, specialist pedal applications and much more.A combination of display products, presentations and information will be available on their stand and members of the VDO Sales team will be available to answer questions and give demonstrations on the following products;With Remote Tachograph Downloading (DLD) you can download Mass Memory and Driver Card data straight to the

office, regardless of whether the truck is parked on the company’s premises or is driving away from base. The DLD device makes this possible by establishing a wireless connection between the vehicle and the office. The new DTCO 1.3 allows intelligent data transfer via short-range wireless or wide range mobile communications connectivity whilst optimising conventional downloading and data printouts.VDO and BM Technik Combined Brake Tester and Tachograph Calibration DeviceThe VDO Brake Tester includes the latest VOSA database, GEO/MoT approval from Class IV-V-VII-HGV-PSV plus more. It features a hand held programmer, full VDO life support it can calibrate analogue and digital tachographs.ViewGate, the modern modular gateway line focuses on both enhancement of the driver’s comfort and safety and on the management of an ever larger flow of information. This is achieved by integrating the most diverse internal and external data sources. The components of the new product family can be smoothly integrated into the manufacturers’ vehicle architecture but are also available as a retrofitting solution. The VDO ViewGate family was designed as a modular system, with individual modules developed for connectivity, communication and multimedia solutions. There is also a wide selection of control and display concepts.VDO manufacturer specialist Driver cab pods, DriverWorkplace, designed specifically for the PSV market. The pods have an ergonomic seating area with adjustable steering wheel that can alter the height and angle in one piece. The workplace offers an ergonomic solution for drivers with heights of 158 to 200 cm. The solution offers Drivers simplicity of operation allowing Drivers to fully concentrate on the road ahead.

For more information: www.dtco.co.ukor www.vdo.com/uk

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MCV Bus and Coach Limited (Stand A1) are based in Ely near Cambridgeshire and manufacture a range of low entry city buses.In partnership with Arriva Bus and Coach they body the new SB180 offering a 10.2 metre 35 seater and 11.1m 40 seater option. Alexander Dennis with the new E200 chassis is offered in 10.1 metre 35 seater, 11.1 metre 40 seater and 11.3 metre 42 seater.Neoman UK provides the 14.420 chassis which enables two body options 11.3 metre with 40 seats and 11.9 metre option with 43 seats.A seatbelt option and two door

optionare available on all body configurations. MCV have over the past five years developed the refurbishment market and currently undertake refurbishment programmes for the Transport for London operations. Offering full interior and exterior refurbishment, centre door removal and accident repairs on all makes of bus, single or double and coach bodywork. All work is undertaken by a skilled workforce at their Ely factory.

For more information: 01353 773 000

The Optare stand (D1) will be packed with interest and innovation, as is to be expected from a company that has been reinvigorated during this year. The Show line-up is as follows: •atri-axleOptareOlympus 100-seater double decker for Mortons Travel. Based on the Volvo B9TL chassis, this vehicle is 12.3m long, 2.55 m wide and 4.3m high •an11.1mOptareVersafor Flintshire County Council with 37 leather trimmed seats plus three tip-ups in the wheelchair bay •a9.6mOptareSoloSRfor Kent County Council which has 27 seats incorporating three point seat belts, plus three tip up seats in the wheelchair bay •anOptareSorocoluxury minicoach for Panache Travel - based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 515 CDi chassis with 7.3 m long coachbuilt bodywork with a luggage boot and 19

luxury seats Outside the Hall, Optare will be displaying its unique fully electric model - the Optare Solo EV, a 100% emissions free solution to passenger transport, as well as an Optare Toro luxury midicoach. •Coach&BusLivecomes towards the end of a hugely exciting year for everyone at Optare, a year in which we have turned the business around, restructured our operations for the future, launched our Eco Drive range of environmentally friendly products and put in place a significantlystrengthened financialbase.We’relooking forward to showing off our new look company and products at the Show”, said Jim Sumner, CEO.

For more information: www.optare.co.uk


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Nationwide Coach Assistance Ltd (NCA) (Stand G5) was formed in 2002 by Nationwide Transport Breakdown Services (NTBS Ltd) which was established in 1987 and is now established as a leading breakdown service provider dedicated to the coach industry.

They offer a unique pay on use service with a “One Stop Shop” approach and delivers a service level you expect when in need of a fast,efficientemergencyroadsideassistance, and at competitive rates. A spokesman said: “We pride

ourselves in assisting coach operators to protect reputations and commitments to their customers in any breakdown situation. Using dedicated coach service providers who understand the industry and the customer’s requirements when in need of breakdown assistance.

“Our comprehensive serviceincludes a replacement coach with driver if needed from our database of coach operators ensuring full guarantee of payment for the coach provider. All services are accessed using one phone number, 01613369389wherehelpfulandknowledgeable staff are available 24hoursaday365daysoftheyear.“Our coverage is UK plus 32 European Countries, and it is our agents who determine our reputation. Therefore we only use those who respond quickly and produce quality workmanship. Theyareallexpertsintheirfieldand approved by NCA Ltd. With a huge network of specialist agents, including main dealers and independents, we are well placed to provide a fast response to any situation anywhere and anytime. “Reciprocal business plays a major part in our ability to offer our replacement coach service. Our large database of operators, which have accounts and agreements with NCA, gives us the opportunity to source replacement coaches when available from those who have capacity to assist their fellow operators.”NCA currently operate the CPT Assistance breakdown scheme for members when in need of assistance in a breakdown situation.Sister company Nationwide Transport Training Ltd (NTT) based in Manchester, and formed in 2007 to facilitate a hassle free service to assist the PCV and LGV industries satisfy their legal requirements and comply with driver CPC Periodic Training.A spokesman said: “NTT operates on behalf of training providers, whoare members of NTT, by advertising their courses to maximize the number of delegates on each course.“NTT booking facility offers a 24 hour, 7 days a week telephone service where operators, small or large, can call one number 0845 2178121, or email, to establish course availability local to them, and fulfillthecompletebookingprocesson their behalf. Our advisors are there to help.

For more information:www.ntbs.co.uk


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Through their commitment to customer care and quality of service, Dunbar based EVE Coaches has grown to become a very well respected coach hire company in Scotland with afleetof24vehiclesincluding16,21,33,49,61and70seatsingledeckaswellas80and100 seat double deck vehicles.Gary Scougall, EVE Coaches Owner, joined the family taxi business in 1975 which soon developed into a coach business, at the same time as the nearby Torness Power Station was in its construction phase, transporting workers to and from the East Lothian site. EVE Coaches blossomed as a company during the 10 years it took to construct Torness and as one door closed another opened. The deregulation of the bus and coach industry that tookplacein1986allowedEVE,alongwithallotherprivatelyownedcompaniesinthisfield,to tender for registered and service operated contracts. Comments Gary: “We at EVE Coaches have been in the bus and coach business for over 35 years and have always believed that looking after the front line where quality and high standards are consistently delivered, the bottom line looks after itself. We are placed in East Lothian in a very narrow channel between the Firth of Forth and the Lammermuir Hills and are reliant on repeat business and only by doing what we do will that happen.“We have an excellent team here at EVE who are fully committed and deliver a friendly and welcoming approach to our day to day customers and are more than aware that they make pay days possible.”Through the success of the business EVE

continuereinvestingprofitsthatmakethein-house facilities as good as they can be, creating a better and happier working environment for their personnel. They have theverylatestmodernanduptodateoffices,training and drivers rest rooms which are very well equipped with the latest computer systems and vehicle tracking from Minorplanet.EVE have one of the most well equipped workshops of a company of it’s size and embrace the latest technology in coach

washing with its Washtec drive through coach wash ensuring all vehicles never leave their Spott Road base dirty. The installation of the coach wash upped driver moral ten fold as drivers on daily yard duties no longer have to wash the fleet by hand, an onerous job at any time of year but especially during the winter months. Drivers are responsible for the cleaning of their own vehicle and have to return it in the same condition in which it was found.

Transport for East Lothian


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Recently opened East Coast Propshafts Ltd in Cowdenbeath’s Woodend Industrial Estate, part of one of the leading transmission specialists in Scotland in Commercial Transmission Services Group, are set to provide the East Coast of Scotland from Dundee to the Scottish Borders with the same excellent service they have been offering to the west for over 50 years.The Rutherglen based company put their success down to an abundance of experience amongst “the team of highly skilled engineers in the application of the repair and remanufacture of car, light and

heavy commercial gearboxes, differentials, steering boxes and repair and manufacture of propshafts”.East Coast Propshafts Branch Manager Ronnie Bias - who has been with the company for many years and is a Fifer from Burntisland - and his team are there to provide a premier service to new and existing customers by adopting innovative working practices. Having extensive experience in the industry and substantial in investment in machinery from Directors Margaret Main, Kenny Main, Grant Dunn and Alan Dunn, has enabled the company to keep pace with the

OEMs and in turn satisfy the needs of their customers accordingly.


Vehicle maintenance is never compromised as the company carries the most valuable of cargos - our children - and they are very aware of getting this right. Everything from engine rebuilds, basic servicing, accident damage, full respraying and panel work are undertaken onsitequicklyandefficiently,sothatthefleetisdoing its job on the road.CommentsGary:“Wehavebroughtthefirsteco friendly 100 seat belted coach to Scotland and I am sure that there will be more to follow. It is a Volvo B9TL six-wheel chassis with an Optare Olympus body powered by a 310 bhp 9 litre Euro 5 engine mated to a ZF Ecolife transmission.”Gary’s sister Linda started work for the company threeyearsagoandpassedherPCVfirsttime following EVE’s own in-house training. She was put to work on a 70 seat single deck straight away and is now responsible for the new100seatdoubledeckerthatisfittedwithan11-camera CCTV system from Look.Home to school contracts with East Lothian CouncilkeepEVE’sfleetbusyfromMondayto Friday and the company operate a zero tolerance bad behaviour policy that has proved very successful. With up to 100 children being transported on a vehicle at any one time, the driver is the only adult on the bus and as such the children have to know what is and is not acceptable behaviour. When the children know thatthereareCCTVcamerasfilmingtheireverymove during their time on the vehicle, very rarely do any incidents occur. The driver gives the children a ‘team talk’ on a Monday morning, either praising them for their previous weeks good behaviour or telling them what needs to be worked upon. The new 100 seat double decker was purchased specificallyforthehometoschoolrunsandhasimmediately proved to be very popular with the children and loclal authorities alike.Like all in the transport industry, Gary monitors the current fuel price situation on a daily basis.


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“We do not have a fuel escalator built into our major contracts but our clients are responsible enough to revisit these should fuel prices rise to unworkable levels. If our contractors did not do this then they would have the contracts returned to them as unworkable.“Our day to day bookings are adjusted accordingly to take into accountfuelpricefluctuations.However unlike the haulage industry where their vehicles are running constantly, our coaches are parked up for long periods of time waiting on passengers, so fuel is not big a factor as it could be.“Having previously operated a haulage company myself and with a brother as a director with another, I do feel that all in the haulage industry are facing very tough times ahead indeed.”“You have to move with the times and deliver what you sell at the best possible price and quality. Using modern high capacity eco friendly vehicles is our way to give better value per seat to our customers,” he adds.“School sizes are getting bigger and budgets are getting smaller. It is therefore simple maths, shifting more for less supermarket style, always maintaining presentation and quality.“Using new technology and designs available can give you substantial cost savings over the longer term and give you and your customers thebenefitofmodernreliablestylisheye catching vehicles that get you noticed on the road and daily. Our best advert is clean well presented vehicles being seen on the road. The more popular you are the more popular you become.“Always bear in mind you are only as good as you last job. It takes years to build a reputation and minutes to loose it. The road ahead looks good and we are here for the long haul.”


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New in all one fuelling facility launched

3-year CCTV deal

The new OTS MultiServ has been developed in response to extensive market research within the industry.It provides an all in one fuelling facility forhauliersandfleetoperators,having storage and dispensing for derv, gas oil, Ad blue, and Lube oil, as well as an air and water facility all controlled by an easily operated yet sophisticated management system togivethefleetoperatorcompletecontrol and accountability of its valuable fuel stocks which can be viewed online from any PC.

A typical installation of the OTS MultiServ station is an island installation for vehicle refuelling from both sides simultaneously. The OTS MultiServ station has been designed as an integral system,withspecificattentiongivento environmental issues, such as removing the need for underground fuel pipe work and storage, and security to reduce risk of theft. Each Tank contains: •anelectroniclevelgauge •hi/lowlevelalarms

•commonbundalarm •backupbundalarm(battery) Comprising integral: •20,000litredervtankc/wheavy duty commercial pump •5000litregasoiltankc/wheavy duty commercial pump •1000litrestainlesssteeladblue tank c/w stainless steel pump and pipe work •1000litrelubeoiltankc/wpiston driven pneumatic pump • fuelmanagementsystem •automaticairdispenser(upto

145 psi) •waterdispenser • litterbin •spillkit •automaticpirlighting • fullmainselectricsisolationc/w mains circuit breaker •canopy(optional)OTS can manufacture any size tank to suit your requirements.

For more information: 01386 853409or www.oiltanksupplies.com

21st Century Technology Solutions Limited, the UK’s leading supplier of Wi-Fi CCTV systems for the passenger transport sector, has secured a three year contract to supply Go-Ahead Group with its bus vehicle and depot CCTV requirements along with the management of Go-Ahead’s train station platform CCTV installations.Dave Lynch, Group Technology & Procurement Director for Go-Ahead Group plc, comments: “The use of innovative and functional mobile CCTV technology is crucial

to any forward thinking transport company. It was therefore critical that Go-Ahead chose a technology solutions partner to work closely with to ensure our systems continue to meet our high expectations. We found that partner in 21st Century Technology Solutions.”Thetotalcontract,whichcouldbeworth£6mover three years, will include the installation of mobile and static CCTV systems in train stations, buses and bus depots. Paul Rogers, Director of Sales and Marketing for

21st Century Technology Solutions, comments: The contract underpins our existing business with them and also extends our growth into the train sector. The contract demonstrates that our combination of market leading technology and constant innovation in hardware and software gives us a formidable product portfolio.

For more information: www.21stcenturycctv.com


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QBE is well-known in the insurance world as one of Australia’s largest companies, and one of the world’slargestinsurersofmotor,fleet,propertyand other commercial risks. However, its always been perceived as a niche market. And because of its Australian heritage. few people realise that over the past few years, QBEhasbecomeasignificantpresencehere,andeven more relevantly, has recently begun to focus intensively on the Scottish insurance market.QBEhasitsScottishRegionalOfficeinGlasgow,which includes a dedicated Motor Fleet team who work on insuring all sorts of risks from Haulage Contractors to Coach Operators (and everything in between).

The Senior Motor Fleet underwriter is David Cairns, who is well-known in the Scottish insurance world, where he has over 20 years’ experience and is tasked with growing and managing a successful Motor Fleet Insurance Portfolio.HesaysthatattitudestofleetinsuranceinScotland are changing rapidly. “Ifindthatfleetandcommercialmanagersthesedays are very forward-looking, and prepared to look beyond price, with pro-active claims service often at the top of wish lists.”Elliot Miller, Commercial Manager of QBE in Glasgow is looking forward to seeing further growth in the region.

“I think our clients really respond to the investment QBE has made in Scottish underwriters, who understand the local business environment here. In fact I know that’s true - we’ve doubled the size of our team here in the last few months, and I reckon that in the next year we will double it again.”

For more information: www.qbe.com

QBE grows motor fleet business in Scotland

Elliot Miller, Commercial Manager of QBE

Stagecoach is leading the way with the highest number of shortlisted nominations for the 2009 UK Bus Awards.After winning more awards than any other operator at last year’s ceremony, the Perth-based transport group has 14 shortlisted entries in the competition’s 20 categoriesthisyearwithfive

Stagecoach companies in the running to be named Britain’s best bus operator at the November awards ceremony.Stagecoach in Fife, Stagecoach Bluebird and Stagecoach in Warwickshire are shortlisted for the Optare Shire Operator of the Year award while Stagecoach Manchester and Stagecoach North

East are shortlisted in the City Operator of the Year category. All fivecompaniesarealsoinlineforthe prestigious UK Bus Operator of the Year award.John Owen, Chairman of the UK Bus Awards said a record number of entries had been received for this year’s awards.He added: “We’re hugely impressed

by the commitment to quality and innovation shown by the industry, especially against such a harsh economic background.”The 14th annual UK Bus Awards will be held on 12 November 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, London.

For more information: www.ukbusawards.org.uk

Stagecoach heads up UK Bus Awards shortlist

Andrew Muirhead and Son Limited is dedicated in providing an unparalleled level of service to customers all over the world from its manufacturing base in Scotland.Founded in 1840 and still in family ownership, Andrew Muirhead and Son is Europe’s oldest tannery.Dealing in only top quality hides, predominantly from Scottish beef cattle, the company supplies the luxury interior design market, prestige hospitality sector and aviation industry with a range of leathers suitable for every application.Testing to the most exacting standards, the company is the only UK leather manufacturer to have gained UKAS accreditation and ISO 14001 andissettingnewindustrystandardsinfireretardancy testing.The new “Library of Leather” card showing the full range of leathers available from Andrew Muirhead was launched at 100% Design exhibition in September 2009.Next day delivery is available on all hides featured in the “Library of Leather” card which represents the industry’s most comprehensive in-stock collection yet, however if you have a particularprojectorcannotfindthecolouryouwant then the company offers a bespoke colour matching service through the sales department.Recent projects using Andrew Muirhead hides have included the recently refurbished St Pancras station with leather for seating in the public areas, including Europe’s longest

champagne bar and business class lounges . Leather is more practical, durable and hygienic with a longer life expectancy than fabric, at least 10 years to three for fabric. Business and leisure travellers who are spending time in the lounges and public areas want to be surrounded by a little bit of luxury and Andrew Muirhead products provide the feeling of quality and comfort that they expect.The company is always looking to the future and new product development and innovation is key to the company’s development. For a company which has been in existence for165yearsitchoosesnottorestonlyonitsreputation for top quality and service but to continue to invest in new technology and

equipment to make Andrew Muirhead leather firstchoicefortheinteriordesignmarketThe company has recently completed work on the public areas and lounges at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 for British Airways as well as Gordon Ramsay’s new Plane Food restaurant.Hotel projects recently completed include the£6mrefurbishmentoftheCrownePlaza,London Ealing where leathers from the Ingleston and Sateen ranges were used in the hotel’s restaurants, bars and public areas and the Radisson SAS in Durham.

For more information: www.muirhead.co.uk

Europe’s oldest tannery still going strong


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Everquip Garage Equipment Ltd are delighted to announce the launch of their new web site www.inspectionpits.co.uk which features comprehensive galleries, information and a corporate video regarding their range of

Pre Fabricated Steel Inspection Pits and accessories. The website will give you a general overview on Everquip Inspection Pits and available options and accessories but there is also a contact form and e mail address should

youhaveanyspecificquestionsorifyouwouldlike to arrange a site visit.

For more information: www.inspectionpits.co.uk

In an innovative move that will help UK coach operators to manage and reduce accident, insurance, operational and environmental costs, Belmont International has joined forces with the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) to launch its new Coach-Save scheme. At the forefront of passenger transport insurance and risk management for more than two decades, Belmont has developed Coach-Save in partnership with Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, and fleet safety specialists GreenRoad. The new scheme will offer both existing CPT members and new joiners the opportunity to

fix their insurance costs for three years, whilst at the same time helping to drive down accident and fuel costs.Announcing Coach-Save, Barrie Etchells, Managing Director of Belmont, said: “We are delighted that during these financially uncertain times we are able to offer coach operators an approach that will improve road safety and deliver money to their bottom line. “The traditional insurance approach taken by many operators involves an annual review that, at best, can make a small contribution to their bottom line. Coach-Save will offer a far broader approach that can make a far more significant impact on

wider operating costs as well as safety levels. “Operators who control claims costs, thanks to proactive risk management, will enjoy fixed rates on their motor fleet insurance for three years while also benefiting from low claims rebates. But it is the use of GreenRoad, which has been shown to have a significant impact on fuel and accident frequency by changing and managing driver behaviour, that truly differentiates Coach-Save from standard insurance offerings.”The joint initiative between CPT and Belmont comes at an opportune time for coach operators. With UK insurers set

to increase insurance premiums in the months to come, a solution that will provide budget certainty and the promise of low claim rewards will be a welcome relief for operators. Simon Posner, Chief Executive of CPT, commented: “We are delighted to be able to offer our members, or anyone looking to join CPT, this exclusive deal. By teaming up with Belmont International, real benefits are available that will not only produce cost savings, but will also support accident reduction and improve fuel efficiency.”


New website

Coach-Save launched


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A recent Case Study into fuel saving inaScottishhaulagefleetconcludedthat “investment in your staff and equipment can be paid back in a short period of time and can then continue to serve your company well through lower running costs and increased employee job satisfaction”.The study, funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Scottish Government,profilesJohnMitchell(Grangemouth) Ltd’s investment in driver training, anti-idling policy and aerodynamicsspecificationinitsbid to reduce the running costs of itsfleet.ItlistsactualcostandCO2reductions showing that real savings are achievable, and where Freight Best Practice Scotland can help you toachievethesamewithyourfleet.

Driver TrainingTheSafeandFuelEfficientDriving(SAFED) (or equivalent) programme is aimed at improving the safe and fuelefficientdrivingtechniquesofheavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers. Ithasbeendevelopedspecificallytoenable both vehicle operators and training providers to implement driver training and development for existing HGV drivers within the road freight industry.Since its introduction, thousands of drivers have been through

the one-day training course, and hundreds of Driver-trainers have completed the SAFED Instructors’ Course (or equivalent). Widespread benefitshavebeenreportedfollowing the completion of training.John Mitchell (Grangemouth) Ltd started investing in SAFED equivalent training in 2007. Their programme is self-funded and undertaken as part of continuing investment into driver training and efficiencymeasures.Thecompanynow has its own Driver-trainer who has been on MAN Trucks’ own familiarisation course at Sandbach. Allofthefleet’s100+driversandsome subcontractors have been trainedbythequalifiedexaminer.Drivers of automatic vehicles also saw an improvement in fuel consumption through better use of the vehicle’s controls and a more sympathetic driving style. This corresponded to over a 7% improvement in overall fuel consumptionwithnosignificantrisein journey time.A continuing programme of driver training should see fuel savings maintainedacrossthefleetwithadditionalfinancialbenefitsrecordedby the company including: •reducedmaintenancecosts •reducedwearondriveline,

brakes and tyres •reductioninvehicledowntime •reductioninaccidentdamage

Anti-idlingExcessive idling of HGV engines is a waste of fuel and money. With modern vehicles, the cost of switching off the engine and starting up again is usually less than the cost of leaving the engine idling. By following simple anti-idling advice, HGV operators can save money by reducing fuel consumption and exhaustemissions.Theefficiencybenefitsoftruckanti-idlingcanbeclearly demonstrated by examining commercial applications, as the following information demonstrates.Prior to implementing its anti-idling campaign John Mitchell (Grangemouth) Ltd used the onboard telematics to monitor idling time of the vehicles. It was found that idling accounted for 15% of a vehicle’s daily stationary time.Typically drivers would come into the yard, start their truck to warm up the cab and engine before conducting vehicle checks and perhaps get a coffee before their shift started. Drivers were encouraged to use their night heater instead of running their engines in the yard or when waiting for delivery and collections. Onboard telematicsallowsthetrafficofficetomonitor vehicle operation, showing engine running time and other functions.By implementing an anti-idling campaignthroughdriverbriefings,and memos handed out to drivers with their payslips it managed to significantlyreducewastedfuelacrossthe100+vehiclefleet.

AerodynamicsWhen a vehicle moves, the air exerts a force on the vehicle that opposes its motion. This force is theaerodynamic drag, and it has asignificanteffectonthefuelconsumption of vehicles. Drag is affected by vehicle shape, frontal area and speed. The greater the frontal area of a vehicle, the greater the aerodynamic drag will be. Similarly, the higher the vehicle speed, the greater the aerodynamicdrag will be.Theaerodynamicstylingfittedtotrucks is to reduce aerodynamic drag, reducing fuel consumption andtherefore costs. When specifying a new vehicle it is important to consider aerodynamics as an option. There is also a range of add-on featurestoretrofitexistingvehiclestoimprove their aerodynamics.Approximately half of the energy used by a truck travelling at 50 mph is needed simply to move throughtheairaroundthetruck.At60mph,about two-thirds of the energy is used to cut through the air. The potential for fuel savings through improved aerodynamic styling is obviously greatest in caseswhere a vehicle is most affected by one of the three key pointers to aerodynamic drag.Savings of up to 13% in fuel bills can be achieved by the simple investment in an aerodynamics package.

For more information: www.dft.gov.uk

Plan for the future to help save


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Red Forge Ltd are extremely pleased to announce the release of a brand new On-Board Weighing system for the commercial vehicle market - ‘Omniweigh’. This new loadcell based system has been designed to be simple for the driver to use and provides information on both net payload and gross vehicle weight, combined with a GVW overload protection warning, as well as Axle Weight Prediction and Load Deliver function. Omniweigh has been developed as a ‘low cost, high quality’ product for this highly demanding application.

For many operators, the ability to know when their vehicles have reached the legal loading limit is as important as knowing the specificloadcollectedinanyoneparticular run. The new Omniweigh system provides the best of both worlds and by using the new axle prediction feature allows even axles to be protected to within VOSA weight guidelines.The Omniweigh loadcells are also temperature compensated, a feature which is missing from many other On-Board weighing systems on the market. This preventsfluctuatingreadingsdue

to cold mornings or hot days. As an optional extra, the loadcells can be produced in stainless steel for use in high salt environments such as those encountered by Gritter vehicles. This is a necessity for vehicles that would normally experience a high degree of salt and water, in order to prevent degradation of the cells.Using rugged loadcell technology, the Omniweigh is available as original equipment through your chosen bodyshop. Red Forge Ltd have over 30 years of experience inthefieldofOn-Boardweighingand have excellent relationships

with the major bodyshops, who are already familiar with loadcell installation. This leads to little increase in the way of lead times during the build. The system canalsoberetrofittedtoexistingvehicles, although this is a more involved process. Red Forge Ltd will provide advice where necessary to ensure that the system is installed to their exacting standards, so that the system will perform accurately for years to come.

For more information: www.redforge.co.uk

Omniweigh an exciting addition to market

Fuelmate provides a wide variety of fuelcards including Shell, Texaco-Fastfuel, Red, and Keyfuels. For environmentally conscious businesses the GoGreen fuelcard is a wise choice. The key to fuelcard success is selecting the most appropriate network coverage and this can prove a little more challenging in Scotland. It is therefore

essential to carry out a detailed assessment of afleet’srequirementsandrefuellingpreferencesbefore deciding upon a particular card. Fuelmate are offering this network assessment free of charge to FACTS readers. Fuelmate strives to do business a little differently, taking the time to understand each customers’ business needs and adapting their fuelcard

service accordingly. For example many customers operate a variety of different fuelcards and receive a consolidated invoice for transactions across all cards. This means that customers can chose the best card for each and every driver and change networks as and when required.


Fuelmate deal for FACTS readers


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World leading telematics and vehicle management systems provider, Minorplanet has strengthened their position in the marketplace. Having recently reinforced its position through a refunding exercise, the company has appointed a new Sales Director and is about to announce a new sales manager for Scotland.Sales Director Glenn Pearson from Glasgow will head up the company’s sales drive and build on Minorplanet’s international standing and reputation in the telematics market. His knowledge of Scottish industry and vast experience in automotive and logistics is seen as a benefittothecompany.“The whole of the automotive industry has suffered because of the economic downturn and this has had an adverse effect on the implementation of telematics and vehicle management systems among major users,” according to Minorplanet’s Head of Marketing, Christian Payne.“Minorplanet is now ideally placed as a global leader to maximise its position in the UK and internationally. We see Scotland as an important industrial hub and we are working hard to support companies who wish to improve efficiencywithintheirlogisticsoperations,significantlyreducefuelconsumption and implement smart useoffleetvehicles.”Minorplanet worked closely with Bell Group, the Glasgow based commercial and industrial painting company. The largest independent painting company in the UK, Bell Group experienced a rapid

expansion which resulted in a need tomanageitsfleetmoreeffectively.Minorplanet provided a system that addressed all the challenges and issuesfacedbyamodernfleet.Using the very latest Minorplanet technology, Bell Group was able to track and deploy its vehicles to efficientlyandreduceunauthorisedpersonal use. The result - a massive 20% reduction in fuel bills and a significantdecreaseininsurancepremiums. This represents a monthly saving of over £30,000.Glenn Pearson added: “This is just one example of how Minorplanet can help companies to improve theirprofitability.Ourresearchand development remains at the cutting edge of the industry and new products and services are being introduced. We are particularly keen to help Scottish companies, who have also suffered the downturn, and we are reinforcing our sales force accordingly. We know the country and understand its industrial need.”The telematics industry is fragmented and Minorplanet intends to lead a consolidation, bring new customerbenefitsandimproveits strong product offering. The founding father of the industry in the UK, Minorplanet has an unrivalled presence in the global market. It has been at the forefront of technology for 15 years and provides unrivalled customer service through in-house qualifiedengineersandadedicatedcustomer support team.

For more information: www.minorplanet.com

Minorplanet strengthens their position in Scotland

View this magazine online

@www.belljohnstone.co.uk


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The Malcolm Group have placed an order with the Cartwright Group for 130 trailers that will carry its brand-new livery. Cartwright, the Altrincham based trailer manufacturer and bodybuilder, are workingtoanupdatedspecificationforMalcolm’s2009 trailers. The Malcolm Group, one of the UK’s largest logistics and construction service providers,isreceivingthe13.6metre,tri-axle

curtainsiders at the rate of 10 a week.The trailers all feature the Cartwright aerodynamic system and have full side skirts to improvefuelefficiency.TheywillbeusedintheMalcolm’slogisticsfleet.All of the trailers feature the new Malcolm’s livery, with the Malcolm Group corporate blue on the curtain side and use of the new Logistics logo on

the back doors. Helen Ryan, Marketing Manager for the Malcolm Group explained: “We feel that we have revitalised the look and feel of the Malcolm brand toreflectthepositivechangesthathaveoccurredinourbusinessoverthelastfiveyears.’’ Malcolm’s chose the Cartwright Group because they could build the trailers to their exactspecificationandsupplythemwithinthenecessary timescale. Cartwright’s warranty offers, service levels and spare parts availability also impressed the logistics provider.Andrew Malcolm, Chief Executive of the Malcolm Group said: “‘Quality and service is paramount to our business and is derived from our consistent investment in the latest vehicles, cutting edge technology and training. “This investment is key to the growth of our businessanditkeepsourfleetuptodateandasenvironmentallyfriendlyandefficientaspossible.As an environmentally responsible company we aim to minimise the impact of our operations on the environment and help our customers do the same.’’

For more information: www.cartwright-group.co.uk

Looking good on the road

Significantadministrativesavingsandimprovedmanagement information, alongside driver and fleetdecision-makervalue-addedbenefits,arebeing delivered by Ogilvie Fleet following their adoption of Jaama’s sophisticated Key2 internet based software. Leasing and Fleet Management specialist Ogilvie Fleet, which has its headquarters in Stirling and officesinSheffieldandBirmingham,managesaUK-widefleetinexcessof9000carsandlightcommercial vehicles.Following the ‘live’ launch of the multi award winning Key2 leasing and vehicle management

system which Ogilvie Fleet use to manage all aspectsoftheirfleetandleasingoperation,Jaama has phased in a range of additional integratedservicestofurtherimproveefficienciesfor Ogilvie Fleet and its customers.These have included: •aninternet-basedBrokerQuotationmodule which enables Ogilvie Fleet to provide its broker partners with contract hire rental quotations online •a‘DataStaging’modulewhichtakes external vehicle data into a preview area and allows data manipulation and ‘what-if’

scenarios to be explored prior to publishing the data to the live environment •asupplierportalfacilitywhichenables Ogilvie Fleet suppliers to manage vehicle orders and rapidly exchange information with the Ogilvie customer services team thus ensuring that vehicle deliveries are managedefficientlyandthatclientsare constantly kept informed of the progress of their order.


Jark Driving, one of the country’s leading driver recruitment agencies, have selected TruTac the tachograph and transport software specialists as their preferred analysis and compliance service providers. After an in-depth selection process Jark chose TruTac, because of their impressive performance history, excellent turnaround times and innovative product range. “We were very impressed with TruTac’s TruControl analysis product and the quality of their service

generally,” states Marc Fleckney, Jark’s Corporate Development Manager. “We needed a partner who could uphold our high levels of service and provide superior management reporting to enable us to accurately monitor and manage drivers and vehicle compliance for our clients.”TruTac is working closely with Jark on a number of Master Vendor on-site client projects, assisting them in managing and reducing infringements whilst improving compliance levels and helping to

protect their O’licence. Jark has realised this partnership adds value to their clients in a number of ways; including reducing VOSA inspections and graduated penalties fines.Terry Ramsey, TruTac’s Managing Director states: “We are pleased our strategy of retaining service levels while developing new products is continuing to serve us well. During a time in which the market is struggling, we have seen competitors use this as an excuse to drop service levels; by charging

customers peak rate fees for accessing help lines and reducing analysis quality. We have chosen the opposite and focus on adding value to clients by listening to their requirements and giving them the flexiblesolutionstheyneed.Jarkhas recognised our business model compliments theirs and as a team we have already won new clients and plan to expand into new market sectors.”

For more information: www.trutac.co.uk

Delivering vehicle management benefits

Just the job


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Cybit, one of the UK’s leading online Telematics Service Provider, has implemented their Fleetstar-Online solution for Environmental Property Services (EPS) plc, a leading UK property service specialist. Fleetstar-Online has enabled EPS to reduce fuel costs by 10% throughtheprovisionoflive,accuratefleetactivity information, encouraging strategic management of resources. EPS will use Cybit’s Fleetstar-Online solution tostreamlinefleetplanningprocesses,byaccurately checking vehicle stock control levels in conjunction with live vehicle locations. This has resulted in a reduced number of duplicate and unnecessary journeys allowing EPS to cut down fuel expenditure and reduce its Carbon Footprint. At a time of increased Health and Safety, Duty of Care and Working Time Directive legislation, EPS management has the information to make key strategic decisions on compliance. “Our previous track and trace solution gave basic vehicle location information, but EPS hadexperiencedaperiodofsignificantgrowthand we needed a solution that would have the capacity to grow with us,” commented Bruce Tee, Group Fleet Manager at EPS. “We saw in Fleetstar an application that would give us comprehensive high accuracy data

which we could work with to fully manage a growing team from an operational level right through to a strategic perspective. “Our responsibility to adhere to corporate compliance extends throughout EPS and is particularly prominent across our mobile workforce. We take our duty of care very seriously and the information that is gathered, stored and presented by Fleetstar means that we have instant access to high level vehicle and driver information. Cybit has really delivered on providing us with a top level telematics solution and we look forward to developing new processes through the implementation of extended Fleetstar modules.” Fleetstar-Online is Cybit’s industry leading, scalable suite of Internet-based Mobile Resource Management (MRM) and vehicle tracking tools. The high quality data relating vehicle and job performance is captured in conjunction with location information, reported and analysed through Fleetstar. This allows meaningful business decisions to be made using up to the minute information on operational performance. For more information: www.cybit.co.uk

Effective management of your fleet made easy

Savings made on fuel costs

Fueltek who are well known for their fuel management systems and have been producing fuelling solutions for the transport industry for many years, have responded to customer demands by introducing new features into their browser based Fuel Manager Online (FMO) software. The new features mean that Fueltek canofferenhancedbenefitssuchas warnings for service due dates, tax due dates, MoT due dates, tachograph calibration dates, warnings can also be generated to inform of fuel stock deliveries, stock movements and short or non-conforming deliveries. These features are available at a PC with access to FMO, where date driven reports can be generated and also at the hardware, based at the fuel island. Fueltek FMO can be programmed to forward warnings via email or even text message to multiple recipients. Fueltek FMO is very much a fuel management system and does not claim to be equaltoafullfleetmanagementpackage but can enhance the effectiveness of such packages.

Information can be exchanged between programmes and because a fuel management system always controls the fuel pump there is a direct driver interface, enabling such information to be passed effectively to the driver or Yard man who may not have access to PC based reports. For instance the driver can be warned at the point of fuelling that a service is due or imminent for the vehicle he is driving, you can even program the fueltek system to take restrictive action if required. Fueltek are also able to programme FMO so that each vehicle on afleethasanindividualcostcode associated with a relevant department this makes it much easier to attribute costs, track fuel use,mpgfiguresandreportonvehicle performanceOne of the current challenges for transport organisations is setting up the systems for compliance with government environmental directives. These focus on reducing carbon footprint and managed reductions of NOX and PM10 particulates. Fueltek claim that having by their system in place, fuel

usage data is available at vehicle level, providing a base line for benchmarks to be set using existing performance by each individual vehicle and each class of vehicle and plan targeted improvements.“Fueltek thrives on the complex challenges that the industry brings.

Careful analysis of customer needs is essential in producing the right fuel management equipment, software and follow-up support,” concluded Martin Devine of Fueltek.

For more information: www.fueltek.co.uk


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The recession may already be tough on UK businesses but if they do not draft up fuel and energy strategies for the future then they may findthattheyweatherthecurrentstormonlytobeflooredbyincreasingenergycosts.That’s the opinion from Sandra Patterson of courier matching service Boxby.She believes the rising oil price of recent weeks suggests a much harder economic climate could be just around the corner, with manyfirmsleftworryingexposed.She said: “Companies need to start asking themselves the basic - and harsh - question of whether their business will still be viable if the price of fuel doubles?“For many the answer will be ‘no’ so, if they want to stay in business, they really need to start looking at what they can do minimise costs and draft up fuel and energy strategies.“It’s amazing how many companies still think there will be a return to easy and cheap oil - but there isn’t going to be. “What’s left is either hard to get to or located in non OPEC countries, ruled by governments that are happy to use the supply of oil as a heavyweight political weapon. “Also, demand is going to rise again when you consider that countries like China and India will continue to grow.“The new sources of oil being targeted are more expensive to locate, extract and process. Thestateownedfirmsdonothavethebudgetsthat they used to have, having spent billions of pounds on expenditure programs to help their

countries survive the worldwide downturn.“All in all, it adds up to a high probability that the record high oil prices seen in 2008 were justaflashingglimpseofthelongtermfuture.”Patterson thinks it is unlikely that the UK government will be willing to cut the taxes on oil in order to encourage investment and stability in the oil industry because of current debtcommitments,leavingUKfirmsfullyexposed to the raw volatility of market prices.More worryingly, she sees it hitting the road haulage,freightandcourierfirmsfirst.She added: “Oil prices don’t simply mean an increase in the price of a litre of diesel, oil prices impact deeply all the way through our economy, from the price of a kilo of potatoes, through to demand for new cars and vehicles. “Every price of every product or service sold in the UK incorporates the price of oil to some extent.“The Road Haulage Industry, Couriers, and freight / parcel / pallet services are all industries that see the impact of the oil price risefirst.Largeconglomerateshavetheabilityto forward buy and hedge their oil prices, Virgin Airlinessuccessfullyturnedaprofitfor2008whilst the other airlines all declared losses. “But the companies that provide most of the UK’s logistical movements are not large enough to hedge their fuel purchases and are exposed to fuel price changes.”Businesses must act now if they want to avoid going out of business, according to Patterson.She added: “The best advice for UK companies

is not to ignore this future risk, to identify it on their radar now, and make it integral to their business planning and strategy for the next few years. “Will products still be marketable if the cost of delivery doubles? Or will that increase in the cost of delivery mean that customers look at alternative solutions not simply alternative suppliers.“Companies need to prepare an energy use strategy, looking at how their company incorporates energy across the board, from suppliers and components, choice of raw materials, sourcing of raw materials, production, through the supply chain, and also management and movement of people. “UK businesses need not to stick their head in the sand about the extent that future oil prices could impact on their business. Blockades, lobbying and other protests are likely to have very little impact on an oil price determined by worldwide demand and supply. The UK government will undoubtedly take a lot of the flak,butitspowerstoinfluencetheworldwideprice of crude are minimal. “Forward thinking, planning and incorporating a fuel and energy strategy into their business corporate planning will be essential for all, from the smallest same day courier business, all the way through to the national newspaper groups. The price of oil impacts heavily on all.”

For more information: www.boxby.co.uk

Quartixhasbecomethefirstmajortelematics specialist to provide pay as you go vehicle tracking with Google Maps.Google’s advanced mapping, satellite, terrain and hybrid views are now available with both the InfoPlus and Corporate versions of Quartix Pay As You Go. Using Google Maps’ zoom and scroll controls to search a live tracking screen an operator can quickly trace vehicle-journey details orfindthenearestvehicletoacustomer. The new mapping system, also included in Quartix’s unique email reporting facility, provides customers with direct access to maps and satellite images from locations named in journey reports.Andy Walters, Quartix Managing Director, said: “We are an innovative company and our decision to incorporate Google’s industry-leading maps is a good illustration of

this. It follows on from last month’s launch of a suite of real-time performance ‘dashboard’ displays with our corporate package.” Three months ago, Quartix became theUK’sfirsttelematicscompanyto introduce pay as you go vehicle tracking - and already 50% of its new clients are choosing this payment option.Mr Walters added: “We are still the only leading vehicle tracking company to offer a genuine pay as you go service which is backed by the right of customers to cancel at any time. It will be interesting to see at what point our competitors are prepared to offer this as well.“Pay as you go is attracting an enormous amount of interest and without doubt customers see it as the way forward.” For more information: 0870 013 6663 or www.quartix.net

First pay as you go vehicle tracking system with Google Maps

Start drafting fuel and energy strategies


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Helping overcome latest fuel duty hike

15% improvement in fuel consumption

Hard-pressed transport operators facing a third fuel tax hike in just nine months are being urged to consider using online freight exchanges.The latest 2p increase has pushed the average price of a litre of petrol to 105p, further squeezing transport companies who are already suffering considerable pressure as a result of the recession.And they are set to take a further hit when VAT increases from 15% to 17.5% at the end of the year.According to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), the freight transport sector has seen its fuel bills rise by £800million since last December. In the same period the industry has seen a 50% rise in insolvencies.One way to combat this is for transport operators to work together using freight exchanges, says Lyall Cresswell, Managing Director of online freight exchange company The Transport Exchange Group.Cresswell said: “Ever-increasing fuel costs are crippling many transport operators, who are findingitincreasinglydifficulttosurvive.“As the cost of fuel rises, more transport businesses hit the wall. But operators can improvetheirefficiencybyusingthecollaborativeapproach which is facilitated by freight exchanges.

“The freight exchange concept harnesses the networking power of the internet to enable collaborative working. Those with more freight than they can carry post their load on the exchange. Those with spare capacity on a journey they are running register the availability ofthisspace.Thepartiesfindeachotherontheexchange and arrange the transaction between themselves. Using TEG’s sophisticated platforms, thewholetransaction,fromorderconfirmationtopayment, is managed online.”Using such exchanges, operators can virtually eradicateemptyjourneysandunprofitablebackloads, and share the cost burden of rising fuel prices, congestion charging, tolls, and complying with onerous legislation.In the current climate, The Transport Exchange Group’s services are increasingly sought after, with the company seeing double-digit increases in loads posted on their exchanges every month this year. Commercial Motor magazine said that freight exchanges such as those operated by TEG could be the key to operators beating the recession.ThisincreasedefficiencythroughtheTransportExchange freight exchange model not only improves the bottom line. It helps businesses reduce their carbon footprint and make their distribution greener. With the environment

becoming increasingly important to more and more customers, this can provide a competitive advantage.The Transport Exchange Group, which celebrates a decade in business in 2010, has more than 200 subscribers who use the company’s secure, flexible,visible,real-timeserviceseverydaytomaximisetheprofitabilityoftheirsupplychains.As well as Courier Exchange, for the sameday courier and express freight industry, and Haulage Exchange, for loads of 7.5 tonnes and more, The Transport Exchange Group has a Regular Runs service, where operators can post their regular journeys enabling them to spot opportunities for collaboration within each other’s schedules.In addition to the fundamental service offering, TEG has built a unique and sophisticated set of easy to use solutions to further increase the benefitsoftheexchangeformembers.Theseinclude providing electronic trading, from order confirmationtoinvoiceapprovalandpayment,an interactive map of loads and journeys available along a route, eliminating the need to scroll through lists, and a mobile solution which enables businesses to use the exchanges on the move. For more information: www.transportexchangegroup.com

As a result of adding three of the new Isuzu ‘Forward’ 12 tonne rigids to their 70-strong mixed distribution fleet,expressparcelandpalletcarrierCrowfootshasbenefitedfrom a 15% improvement in fuel consumption in comparison to the incumbent trucks.According to Michael Crowfoot, Operations Director at Crowfoot’s

Carriers Ltd: “The fuel consumption figuresfromthethreenewIsuzu12tonners are really very good indeed achieving up to 15mpg on intensive multi-drop distribution work. This compares very favourably with figuresofbetween12and13mpgon their predecessors. And, as you would expect from an Isuzu, we have had no issues from a reliability

viewpointinthefirstsixmonthsofservice.”Prior to the arrival of the new Isuzu 12 tonne rigids, Crowfoots had over 30Isuzusintheirfleet,all7.5tonnerigids. It was the practical experience of the proven reliablility and performance of these vehicles on multi-drop parcel and pallet work that lead Crowfoots to specify Isuzu at thehigherweightsforthefirsttime.“The three new Isuzu trucks are handling their workload with ease, and the impressive fuel economy so far will no doubt get even better in the long term as the engines get bedded in and achieve their maximumoperatingefficiency,”added Crowfoot.All three Isuzu 12 tonne rigids arefittedwithboxbodiesandarebeing run on single-shift, general distribution work. Two of the vehicles are working from Crowfoot’s depot in Manchester, with the remaining vehicle based out of the company’s Derby depot. The trucks each cover approximately 3500 miles per month on what Crowfoots describe as predominantly intensive “stop-start” journeys.

“The drivers of the new Isuzus have also passed comment about the new 12t vehicles, praising the high specificationandcomfortfactorofthe cabs, in addition to the trucks actual performance out on the road,” comments Crowfoot.Crowfoots Carriers Ltd is a family runfirmdatingbackto1912,andundertakes multi-drop express parcel and pallet distribution from 3 depots in Manchester, Leicester and Derby. The company runs over 70 mixed trucksat7.5t,12tand15t,specifiedwith either box or curtainsided bodies.“We have had a close association with Crowfoots at 7.5 tonnes for many years and it is pleasing to see them moving up the weight range with us. The fuel consumption figureof15mpgisimpressivebutparticularly good for these trucks, especially when you take into consideration the arduous nature of the work they are doing,” said Keith Child, Marketing Director at Isuzu Truck (UK) Limited.

For more information: www.isuzutruck.co.uk


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23 new trailers to Scottish operator

Effectively managing fuel use

Keeping the wheels of business in motion

The latest order for 23 trailers received by TIP Trailer Services from leading Scottish operator G&S International now takes the total number of trailers supplied by TIP to the Bellshill based companytoover60inrecenttimes.The latest refrigerated trailers from TIP, covering both Schmitz and Chereau models, have also beenspecifiedwithTIP’spopularFleetCareoptionofcomprehensivefleetmaintenancecover, as have all the other trailers supplied by TIP.According to George Brown, Managing Director at G&S International Ltd: “It is all about response with TIP. Their comprehensive infrastructure acrossEuropeisidealforourspecificdistributionoperation as our trailers can be anywhere in Europe, when support is required.”

From its base in Bellshill, G&S International operatesafleetof150all-refrigeratedtrailersand over 100 tractor units, operating on internationaltrafficroutes,withdepotslocatedinboth Holland and Spain. “With our relationship with TIP going back over 15 years, they fully understand the demanding operational requirements of our temperature controlled businessandprovideuswithatrulyflexibleback up service, where ever we are,” said Brown. The close proximity of the TIP regional depot inScotlandplaysasignificantroleinthislong-term relationship between the two companies. As Brown continues: “The response we get from TIP’s depot at Uddingstone is superb, they work closely with us on a daily basis and cope with

our ever changing demand patterns. We have this facility to quickly upsize or downsize our fleetdependingonourcontracts,andTIPhasnever let us down yet. It’s all about their proven people relationship skills.” “Working on a long term basis with customers such as G&S International allows us to tailor financeandmaintenancesupportpackagestosuittheirspecificoperations.G&Srunanall-temperaturecontrolleddistributionfleet,andas a truly pan European company, we are in a unique position to fully support their refrigerated fleet,alloverEurope,”saidMikeFurnival,Commercial Director at TIP Trailer Services.

For more information: www.tip.ge.com or www.ge.com

Euro Car Parts (ECP), the UK’s leading aftermarket parts supplier has chosen CFC software to manage fuel costs and driver complianceonits500vanfleetinordertoreducethe cost of parts for garages.ECPwantedtoacquirefleetmanagementsoftware to improve the information and control ontheirpartsfleet,whichmakesoverfourmilliondeliveries a year.In addition this will reduce the cost of parts to garages and help provide affordable mobility to the UK public.David Bevan, Director at ECP, said: “Using Fleet Plus, we will be able to take much greater control in all kinds of areas of cost, especially when it comes to reducing fuel expenditure, and also to ensure that our drivers are safe and legal to drive using Licence Link.“We have chosen CFC as a supplier because of their in-depth industry knowledge and experience inthefleetindustryaswellasthestrengthoftheirproducts.

Also, their pay-as-you-go approach to pricing was flexibleandfair.”RecentlymadeavailableonaPAYGforthefirsttime and in use by hundreds of the UK’s largest fleets,CFC’sFleetPlusisacompletesoftwaresolution designed to manage the diverse needs of21stcenturyfleetmanager.Developedformedium to large organisations with a requirement tomanagein-housefleetsefficientlyandeffectively, Fleet Plus is also essential for tracking and managing costs throughout the whole vehicle life cycle.LicenceLinkallowsfleetstoautomaticallycheck employee driving licences against the DVLA database online. Alerts are sent to the fleetmanagerifthechecksshowchangestoendorsements, the categories of vehicle that an employee is allowed to drive or if there are critical licenceeventssuchasdisqualificationoraphotocard expiring.Neville Briggs, Managing Director at CFC, added: “We are very pleased to welcome ECP as a CFC

customer.Theirsisalargeandveryactivefleetand we believe that our software will help them to identifymanynewefficiencies.”

For more information: www.cfcsolutions.co.uk

TOTAListheUK’sfirstpetrolretailerto partner with Midland Expressway and enable drivers to use their TOTALCARDandEurotraficfuelcards as forms of payment when at theM6Toll.TheM6TollisBritain’sfirstprivately funded tolled motorway, stretching for 27 miles from near Cannock, Staffordshire to Coleshill, Warwickshire. It is utilised by nearly 45,000 drivers every working day of the year. As a strategic bypass route,theM6Tolloffersdriverstheopportunity to avoid a section of theheavilycongestedexistingM6,deliveringsignificanttimesavingsatpeak times.

Eric Fanchini, TOTALCARD Card Manager explained: “Employees of businesses that currently utilise TOTALCARDandEurotraficfuelcardswillbenefitfromournewandinnovative partnership. As of 1st October 2009, cardholders will be able to conveniently use their fuel cardsontheM6Tollaspaymentand at no extra cost or hassle to their employer. In fact no action is required from the business.”TheM6Tolltransactionswillbeinvoiced together with a company’s monthly fuel transactions in a clear and straightforward VAT approved format, making the expense process more cost and time effective for

both the employee and accounts department.Fanchini continued: “This new agreement is part of TOTAL’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in customer service. OurEurotraficcardsarealreadyaccepted on all tolls in France; beingacceptedontheM6Tollisanaturalprogressionandfitswithinour overall strategy of delivering a firstclassserviceforbothnewandexisting customers.“We believe that this change will help facilitate a more convenient driving experience for our customers when on business in the Midlands.”

Tom Fanning, Chief Executive of Midland Expressway added: “We are delighted to be working with TOTAL to bring about this enhancement of service to our mutual customers. We are making it easier for customers to pay and this innovation will certainly enhance the service for those customers who choosetousetheM6Toll.If you do not currently have a TOTALCARDorEurotraficfuelcard,then visit www.totalcard.co.uk where youcanfindoutabouttheirotherbenefitsandalsoapplyonline.

For more information: www.totalcard.co.uk


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Over recent years Arnold Clark Coachbuilders have expanded to meet the growing needs of the industry. As part of the Arnold Clark Group, the division was introduced in 1983 and is based in East Kilbride, Glasgow. The Arnold Clark Group has over 145 branches nationwide and this service is available at Arnold Clark dealerships stretching from as far North as Inverness to Birmingham South of the border.The facility provides a one-stop shop for all forms of conversion, with a wide range of bespoke products to suit all customers’ needs, from small businessestolargefleets.With a fully equipped workshop the highly-skilled coachbuilding technicians are on hand to provideafirstclasstailoredservicetomeet

any business demands, whether repairs, one off vehicle builds, or high volumefleetusers,togetherwithatimescale and price to suit individual businesses’ requirements.A recent conversion undergone for Killin Mountain Rescue highlighted the great lengths Arnold Clark Coachbuilders goes to in meeting the individual needs of its customers.Killin Mountain Rescue contacted the division to transform their Renault Master Panel Van to a fully functioning mountain rescue van. The team is made up of local members whose knowledge and expertise of the hills assist in recognising any person who could potentially be in danger and the team’s outstanding efforts was recently recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Willie Paterson, Arnold Clark Coachbuilders Bodyshop Manager, comments: “When Killin Mountain Rescue contacted us we were extremely happy to help. It was a large job but the mountain rescue teambenefitedgreatlyfromtheconversion and our main aim was to provide the team with a practical and functional vehicle suitable for all weather conditions.”With phenomenal results the mountain rescue team now have a kitchen area with cooker and hot hand wash facilities. The vehicle is also fully equipped with a storage and work area containing removable and multi position seating for six personnel. SPEEDLINER was used to coat the inside of the vehicle and help protect surfaces from day-to-day wear and tear whilst ensuring it was suitable for all weather conditions.Bill Rose of Killin Mountain Rescue team said: “The mountain rescue team was thrilled with Arnold Clark Coachbuilder’s work. The van not only looks extremely impressive but it has all the facilities we require plus a few more. The job was completed efficientlyandprofessionallyandtheend result displays the amount of skill involved by Coachbuilders.”Arnold Clark Coachbuilders is also fully equipped to offer an Accident and Repairs Service, on all body types and conversions for single usersandlargefleetcustomers.

With an extensive parts department, co-ordinating and managing repairs can be conducted quickly and efficiently.Arnold Clark also provide ACCIST, a complementary, hassle- free accident management service. ACCIST manages the full accident management process in the unlikely event of being involved in an accident. The division also has a strong link with major insurance companies therefore they will deal directly with the insurance company helping to reduce the stress and worry involved in the repairs process.An extensive range of products and services are available including: • temperaturecontrolledvehicles • lutonvansandcurtainsided vehicles •dropsideandtippers •minibusandseatconversions •welfareconversions •vehicletransportersArnold Clark Coachbuilders also supply a widespread range of accessories from advertising boards and reverse cameras to interior/exterior lighting and audio and video equipment.

For more information: 01355 243378 or www.arnoldclark.com/coachbuilders

Arnold Clark Coachbuilders to the rescue


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Electric vehicles lead the wayIreland’s Electricity Supply Board (ESB) have successfully deployed four all-electric vehicles manufactured by Glasgow-based Allied Electric. Two Peugeot-based eExpert vans are in daily use with ESB Network technicians. The company have also purchased two of Allied’s electric MPVs for staff and event use. Ireland’s largest electricity supplier, ESB,currentlyhasafleetof2500road-going vehicles, varying from light commercial to heavy goods. What is unusual, however, is that the company have set ambitious targets toreducefleetCO2emissionsby30% by 2012 and by 50% by 2020. ESB Network Managing Director John Shine explains: “ESB is seriously committed to emission reduction. Fleet operations are an important part of this so we started looking at ways we could achieve these stretching targets”. It was then that the company started investigating the possibility of introducing electric vehicles into their fleetandmadecontactwithspecialist

vehicle manufacturer Allied Electric.“Our two eExpert vans are used on a daily basis by ESB Network technicians in Dublin and Cork,” continues Shine. “Both drivers are very happy with both the driving style and performance of the vehicles. They report that they findtheelectricvansgiveadifferentand great driving experience and see the vehicles as ideal for city driving.” One of the eExpert Tepee MPVs isbasedatESB’sheadofficesinDublin, where it is used to transport personnel to and from meetings and to collect staff and visitors from the airport. The other electric Tepee is known as the ‘national vehicle’ and is used around the country at local events and festivals, to promote awareness of electric vehicles. Allied’s all-electric vans, which create zero carbon emissions in operation, offer a range of 80 to 100 miles, depending on driving conditions. So far one of the longest trips taken by an ESB eExpert was made by John Campion, Executive Director of

Sustainability. He used an electric TepeetotravelfromheadofficeinDublin to a conference in Dundalk and back on the same day - a round tripof160kilometres,withatop-upcharge in between.There’s no substitute for experience and, having successfully deployed thesefirstvehiclesinrealworkingenvironments, ESB have gained further confidenceintheuseofall-electricvehiclesasparttotheirfleetmix.Shine concludes: “We’re extremely happy with the electric vans and MPVs from Allied. Now we’re looking at where else in the company we could replace conventional diesel vehicles with all-electric, zero emission vehicles. Allied Electric managing director Paul Nelson comments: “The past three years have been all about developing,testingandfine-tuning

our electric LCV range. “At the same time we were determined not to rush to market before the products were fully ready and we knew they would offer the reliability and performancethatprofessionalfleetoperators naturally expect. Positive feedback like this from the ESB in Ireland very much vindicates this strategy and should help encourage other environmentally conscious organisations to switch on to all electric transport.” Allied Electric is one of three manufacturers selected to supply all-electric vans as part of the government’s £20 million Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme.



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“Recession? What recession?” was heard up and down the aisles at this year’s Recycling & Waste Management exhibition (RWM 09).Confirmingitsplaceasthenumber one recycling and waste management exhibition in the UK, RWM 09 attracted more visitors and exhibitors than ever before.Initialfiguresshowa7%increaseon last year’s record attendance. Atotalof9762people(subjectto audit) visited RWM 09 at the Birmingham NEC from September 15-17. Stand space was sold out with over 500 exhibitors and over half have already rebooked for 2010.“RWM has grown consistently over thelastfiveyearsandagainstthebackground of a general economic downturn we still saw substantially more visitors and exhibitors than ever this year,” said Event Director Gerry Sherwood. “There was a real buzz about this year’s show, which with the new Korean pavilion had a growinginternationalflavouramongexhibitors and visitors alike. Up and downtheshowfloorrecordnumbershad clearly come to RWM to do business.”Inside the exhibition halls, visitors packed-out the three free seminartheatresastopflightspeakers delivered thought-leading presentations on local authority, business and energy and water themes. Among the most popular were those given by retailers like Asda, Sainsbury and Marks & Spencer; from Miller Homes and Wates in the construction sector, and those covering the subjects of anaerobic digestion, energy from waste and carbon reduction. RWM provided exhibitors with the perfect environment to meet prospective customers obtain sales leads and, in many cases, sign lucrative new contracts.Biffa and Stadler signed the contract for a £13.5 million advanced automation Commercial and Industrial treatment facility to be built at Trafford Park, Manchester. Senior representatives from Stadler, the turnkey plant supplier, and TITECH UK, providers of the automated sorting systems joined Dr John Casey of Biffa to sign the contract on Stadler’s stand at the show.

JCB also announced the sale oftwonewhighspecificationmachines on show in the outdoor area to Newcastle-based Graphite Resources Limited, which will use them for handling waste at its £50 million Derwenthaugh EcoParc facility on the banks of the River Tyne.Thevehicleswere456ZXwheeled loading shovel and JCB JS220LC tracked excavator complete with new JCB SG Selector Grab attachment.“It’s been the best RWM yet, and very important for Helesi as a venue for a UK launch,” said Ian Bellamy, UK business director at Helesi. “We’ve generated very good quality leads from the local authority and private contractor markets.”Corin Wright, Sales and Marketing Manager at JMC Recycling was surprised and delighted at the success of their stand: “We took orders for 24 of our metal recycling machines including all of our display models. That’s more than last year and much more than we were expecting in the current climate. We are also getting more orders from our sales follow up.”“We’ve been absolutely inundated,” said Fraser Macintyre, National Sales Manager at Recresco. “This is the best RWM in the 10 years we’ve been attending. I can’t fault it. Even on the last day it’s been very, very lively. Visitors from the local authority sector have been plentiful and we’ve got some great quality leads.”Behind the scenes organisers were keen to minimise the environmental

impact of the exhibition. Dry waste segregated by exhibitors and visitors at the recycling points provided by SSI Schaefer and Straight was compacted and baled by Mil-tek, while food waste collected from the NEC’s catering outlets was processed onsite by Tidy Planet.

RWM 10 takes place from September14-162010attheBirmingham NEC. Entry remains free of charge.

For more information: www.rwmexhibition

Most successful RWM ever


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Working in partnership with both the public and private sectors, Zoeller FAUN provide a one-stop-shop, for body and lifter technology, vital to the waste collection and disposal sector. Zoeller Waste Systems Limited is a name synonymous with the manufacture and supply ofhighquality,highspecificationliftingdevicesto the waste industry. Partnered with FAUN UK, a company renowned for innovations in waste-collection and road-sweeping vehicles, Zoeller FAUN strive to make continuous improvements in the provision of products and services, aligned to market trends.However, the company offer more than just the manufacture and supply of world-renowned products, and the highest standards in service excellence. Simon Hyde, Managing Director of Zoeller explains, “We offer more than a traditional sales and service company. We build strong, collaborative relationships with our customers both in the public and private sectors. The mission at Zoeller FAUN is to exceed customer expectations in terms of product performance, reliability, service and support, as well as reduced whole life costs.” Excellence in design and manufacturing is a core competence at Zoeller FAUN, and the success of their new eco-technology, Eco Drive Assistant demonstrates this.

EDAisanelectronicdevicethatisfittedtothechassis of a refuse vehicle (new or old) to save fuel. Local Authorities and companies will be able to cut their fuel costs and become more eco-friendly by using this latest technology.Following successful trials over a six month period Biffa, has placed an order for 242 units. “The UK trials with Biffa were a resounding success, resulting in massive reductions in CO2 emissions and fuel savings of over 10% average throughout thefleet.Datacollected on 15 simultaneous trials throughout the UK continue tore-confirmaminimum 8%, and in some cases a 17% saving in CO2 emissions and fuel. We continue to invest heavily in the development of new products and focussed on reducing fuel

consumptionandincreasingvehicleefficiency,”said Nick Preston, General Manager of Commercial Operations.

For more information: www.zoeller.co.uk

Eco innovation


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Ready, steady go!

A first in Europe

Whale Tankers have supplied an articulated tipping tanker to Harper’s Waste Management Services of York that sports the company’s bold yellow, white and blue livery. Manufactured to ADRClass3,6.1and8specificationsandwiththe capacity to transport hazardous waste, the 44-tonne GVW unit with tri-axle running gear hasjoinedHarper’s63strongHGVfleet.Complete with Edbro tipping gear, the unit has been designed as a lightweight, effective and flexibledeepliftingvacuumtanker.Inadditiontoa main 5400 gallon tipping tank, with inbuilt 220 gallonoverspillcompartment,Harpersspecifieda separate static, front-mounted tank for improved vehicle stability when in tipping mode. Both the tanks and water-jetting compartment aremanufacturedfrom316-gradestainlesssteel.Featuring SAF tri-axle air suspension with lifting front axle, load sensing and stability traction control, the tipping tanker incorporates the powerful Kaiser - KWP3100i liquid ring pump. Driven by its own chassis mounted diesel engine, the pump delivers a powerful operating performance of 3100m3/h and 85% maximum vacuum. With three top man lids on the main tipping tank and full length walkway, the tri-axle semi-trailer unit is also equipped with a rear offside mounted jetting system that has a hydraulically operated reeland60mhighpressurehoseforvehiclecleaning and washing down.

When commissioned, the ADR tipping tanker will be predominantly deployed by Harpers, one of the UK’s most progressive waste management companies, to vacuum sludges on behalf of major utility providers and private customers.Commentingonthespecificationofthenewunit, Harpers Operations Director, Kevin Maguire said: The new tipping tanker is the sixth newWhaletoenterourfleetoverthelastcouple

of years. In addition to being a very robust product, which is essential given the fact that they often operate in hostile environments, Whale tankers are very user friendly and simple to operate. For more information: www.harpers-waste-management.co.uk

Vallely Tanker Engineering have just completed what they believe isEurope’sfirstOffRoadWaterRecycling Combination Unit. Towed and powered by the latest JCB FASTRAC 7230 with the 220bhp engine, the complete unit has been deliverd to JKE Ltd of Royston, Hertfordshire. Designed and built by Vallely in close co-operation with JKE to gain access to the network sewer and drainage system that is located ‘off road’ sometimes in middle of farmland and in all kinds of weather and conditions. The water recycling system incorporates a primary separation andtwinfiltration‘patented’systemwhich cleans the dirty water to less than 200microns, incorporating the Pratissoli specially adapted MK range producing 270 litres per minute at 2100psi. The system is continuous, with the dirty water collected from the drain but not required for jetting can be returned clean to the drain.

The liquid ring vacuum pump produces around 1000cfm and powered from the Fastrac PTO via a drawbar mounted transfer box. Both pumps can be switched separately or used simultaneously.Tomakecleaningdownthefiltrationsystem easy for the operator, a fully automatic internal washdown facility is standard with residue silt being returned to the main debris tank via the vacuum system. The Vallely pusher plate system, perfected for the Gully Emptiers, has been incorporated to primarily separate and eject the debris.An on-board CCTV system allows theoperatorstobeselfsufficientinterms of being able to clean, camera and compile data in one visit. This is vitally important as access to most locations where the unit will be deployed would be inaccessible to most CCTV units.Finally to facilitate night time working a 2000watt lighting system complete with elevating tower and on board 6kvageneratorwillprovideenough

illumination to cover the whole extended work area.Vallely are currently producing truck mounted recyclers incorporating the new system and with an increasing

order book the future looks good for the next generation of recyclers.

For more information: www.vallely.co.uk


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Ecoprocess bin lifts are making recycling collections cleaner, greener and more peaceful in the historic towns of South Hams.South Hams District Council (which boasts the second highest recycling rate in England), have purchased Ecoprocess electrically-operated bin lifts for six of its new recycling and refuse trucks. The upgraded fleet services 44,000 properties in the unspoiled rural region, emptying food and compostable bins one week, and non recyclable waste the next.Councillor Bill Hitchins, South Hams District Council, said: “When replacing some of our fleet we took the opportunity to fit state-of-the-art Ecoprocess bin lifts to the rear of our recycling and refuse lorries. Not only are these vehicles environmentally friendly with engines that produce some of the lowest emissions in their class, but the electric bin lifts mean the lorry’s engine no longer has to be revved to enable the bin lift to work. So the process is quieter, cleaner and better for the environment.”The Ecoprocess lifts were specified for the Council’s new fleet of refuse and recycling trucks comprising four 15 tonne NTMs, a22tonneand26tonneDennisEagle which have all been fitted with Vision Techniques Banksman Intelligent Radar systems, an award-winning reversing aid for improved safety.

Richard Dean, Transport Manager, South Hams District Council, has seen a difference since the new fleet started the rounds: “By fitting Ecoprocess electric lifts to our newly delivered Euro V Dustcarts we have identified savings of up to 28% on fuel usage. In addition, members of the public have remarked about how much quieter our vehicles are now.” Powered by the vehicle’s batteries, instead of hydraulics,

coprocess lifts have been proven to reduce fuel consumption, lower CO2 emissions and cut noise levels. Designed with health and safety a priority, Ecoprocess bin lifts have smooth surfaces, automatic obstacle detection and padded safety barriers covering the operating zone. If the bins exceed safe weight limits, the lifts are stopped automatically. They are lightweight, interchangeable, clean and easy to service

(often remotely) which reduces downtime.Ecoprocess bin lifts can also be seen (but not heard) on collection rounds in Blaby, Redditch, Cambridge, Fareham, Hull, Poole and Torfaen. For more information: www.ecoprocess.com

The electric avenue

The Plant and Waste Recycling Show (PAWRS) 2009, which took place on June 15-17 at Paignton, Devon, was a great success, as the following testimonials show:

“The 2009 PAWRS Exhibition provided us with an opportunity to focus on the specific plant rental needs of local authorities and key companies in the waste industry. Having attended the Futuresource show at Excel as visitors it was a welcome relief to enjoy the facilities available in Torbay with ease of parking, good hotel facilities and a refreshing attitude by the organisers to the accommodation of our stand requirements, with both machines and a hospitality display area HYDREX enjoyed flexibility both in terms of the delivery of equipment on site and the

setting up of the stand. We were impressed with the quality of the visitors and are pleased to comment that we conducted a fair amount of meaningful business. The organisers could not have been more helpful and already in confirming our booking for PAWRS 2010 we are impressed with the dedicated attitude to making this a thundering success.”Vincent Scott-Halton, Group Marketing Manager, Hydrex Equipment

“As a leading supplier of waste compactors and balers we have exhibited at Paignton for the last eight years. Whilst somewhat quieter than previous, business was good and we found the 2009 show to be very well organised from the initial setting up through to completion. See you in 2010!”

Steve Hunter, Regional Manager, Systematic Servicing (Equip)

“PAWRS 2009 was a very well organised event, with excellent quality ‘serious buyer visitors’. The organisers supported us no end with the unloading and setting up of the stand. All in all, with the prime location, hotels at sensible prices and the most accommodating organisers makes PAWRS a top quality show which I will definitely exhibit at in 2010.”Clive O’Riordan, MD, Wheelie Bin Direct

PAWRS 2010 will again take place at Paignton from June 8-10.


Looking to 2010


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Leading producer of vegetables and soft fruits, Stewarts of Tayside, are reporting exceptionally high mileages from their tyres since they moved to Continentals. The arrival of new Volvos withContinentalsastheoriginalfitmentgaveTransport Manager Alan Davie an opportunity to carry out a comparison of performance and durability against the company’s existing tyre make.“Theydeliveredasignificantlyhighermileage compared with the tyres we had been using,”hesaid.“Inoneinstancewegotafirstlifemileage of 280,000 kilometres before re-grooving gave us another 80,000 kilometres.” The company grows, packs and distributes swedes, strawberries and raspberries and delivers them from its Perth base to wholesale markets and supermarket RDCs throughout the

UK. It’s a next day Just-In-Time service which operates to demanding deadlines under which the produce must arrive in the freshest condition. This makes it critically important to avoid tyre failures and a robust regime of tyre management isinplaceacrossthefleetwithdriversrequiredto look for and report signs of damage or under inflationaspartoftheirdailychecks.Thisisbacked-up by regular inspections at weekends whenthefleetisintheyard,withbothpressuresand tread depths checked.“We keep a constant eye on all details of our operation,” says Davie. “Our aim is to avoid problems and to achieve a long life from our tyres as well as maximising fuel economy. By careful twinning of tyres we get more even wear across the tread, which contributes to longer life.”

Thecompany’s14-strongfleetof44tonneVolvoand Scania mid-lift axle tractors run with tri-axle Schmidt fridge trailers travel as far south as Bristol and London. Annually each truck will cover around160,000kilometres(100,000miles)onamix of A roads and motorways. The company is usingContinental’sHSR1onsteeraxles,HDR+on drive axles and HTR on its trailers, with each typebeingspecificallyengineeredforitsspecificapplication.Thecompany’spolicyistofitonlynew on steer axles but it does use regrooved tyres on the tractor mid-lift and drive axles.Now they are to try the latest range of Continental truck and trailer tyres as part of a drive to optimise tyre life and further improve fuel economy. These are tyres from the recently announced second generation R Series: the HSR2 steer axle tyre, the HDR2 for drive axles and the HTR2 for trailers. Designed for regional and long distance transport, these tyres use a completely new casing technology, which features a new 4-ply triangular belt, the AirKeep system, a new bead with steel cord bead reinforcer, and a new contour. This combination ensures higher mileage and reduced rolling resistance, which contributes to better fuel economy. All tyres from the second generation feature Continental‘s patented AirKeep technology on the inside. A very tightly packed molecular structure in the coating prevents the natural diffusion of the pressurised air through the rubber walls and this reduces creeping air loss by up to 50%.

For more information: www.conti-online.com

John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing, one of Scotland’s largest hauliers, have clocked-up more than 30 years as a joint ATS Euromaster and Michelin customer after signing a new fiveyearpence-per-kilometre(PPK)tyre contract.For over three decades ATS Euromaster and Michelin have managed the tyres across the John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousingfleetofcommercialvehicles, which was one of the firstroadtransportoperatorsinthecountry to adopt a PPK approach to its tyre requirements in 1992. Withamixedfleetof350MANandMercedes-Benz trucks as well as Dennison trailers operating from its base in Grangemouth, the agreement sees ATS Euromaster support thecompanywithmonthlyfleetinspections and UK-wide emergency

roadside assistance in the event of a tyre-related breakdown.Iain Mitchell, Managing Director of John Mitchell Haulage & Warehousing, comments: “We have worked with our local ATS Euromaster service centre in Falkirk for more than 30 years and see them as part of our team. Some of the managers we deal withtodayweretyrefitterswhenwefirststartedourpartnershipandit’sone of the reasons why we continue to work together today - trust and experience.“In this climate, we have to be innovative in every way we work. The PPK structure enables us to monitor costs, work smarter and helps deliver savings which have a direct impact on our bottom line.”The contract sees John Mitchell Transport Services continue with an all-Michelintyrepolicyacrossitsfleet,

supported by ATS Euromaster’s 250 frontline rapid response vehicles, which are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide emergency roadside assistance in the event of a tyre-related breakdown. Mitchell adds: “With so many trucks on the road vthat in the event of a tyre-related breakdown we have the

back-up of the largest specialist truck tyre supplier in the UK. Michelin tyres have always delivered high mileage performance and offered us the best all-round casing durability, so we saw no reason to change our policy.”

For more information: www.atseuromaster.co.uk

Just-in-time deliveries

Celebrating 30 years

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24-month warranty introducedSnap-on Equipment have introduced a 24-month warranty as standard on all tyre changers, wheel balancers and aligners under the manufacturer’s Hofmann and John Bean brands. The industry-leading enhancement applies to machines purchased from August 1 and supersedes the previous 12-month warranty provided for Hofmann and John Bean undercar equipment.Chris Behan, General Manager, Snap-on Equipment, comments: “Our new 24-month warranty is best in class and offers our customers afirmcommitmenttoourrobustdesign and build quality, as well as peace of mind for two-years when purchasing what, in most cases, is business-critical equipment. This is worth around 15% off the price paid in anyone’s book.”Snap-on Equipment is a fully owned subsidiary of Snap-on corporation, a leading global innovator, manufacturer and marketer of tools,

diagnostics and equipment. The company was formed in 1997, following the merger of Hofmann and John Bean (formerly Balco), both leading names in the garage equipment industry. Snap-on Equipment designs, manufactures and markets an extensive range of equipment for car and commercial vehicle service and collision damage repair. Products under the Hofmann, John Bean and Cartec brands include brake and suspension testers, chassis dynamometers, tyre changers, wheel balancers and wheel aligners, emission analysers, MOT bays and headlight adjustment equipment. Collision damage repair products under the Blackhawk Automotive brand include Porto-Power hydraulic equipment,Korekin-floorvehiclealignment systems and Shark ultrasonic vehicle measuring systems. Customers are supported through comprehensive in-house service and training operations.

For more information: www.snaponequipmentltd.co.uk

Hauliers,fleetoperatorsandprivatemotoristsarebeing reminded that not only can they stay safe on the road but they can also reduce the impact of the recent fuel duty rise by keeping their tyres correctlyinflated.Accordingtoresearchcarriedout by a major tyre manufacturer and member of TyreSafe, driving on tyres which are just ten psi under the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure can increase fuel consumption by 2.5%. By keeping tyres at their correct pressures, motorists can travel further on each tank of fuel, reduce their CO2 emissions and stay safer.“Makingsurethattyresarecorrectlyinflatedcostsnothingyetcansavemotoristssignificantsums of money,” explains Stuart Jackson, Chairman, TyreSafe. “By taking just a few minutes once a month to check tyre pressure levels and adjust them to the recommended levels,significantimprovementsinroadsafety

can be made but also drivers will see a reduction in their fuel consumption, helping to offset the recent rise in fuel duty.”Whentyresareunder-inflated,thecontactpatch with the road surface gets larger, causing increased drag, which in turn places more load ontheengine.Keepingtyrescorrectlyinflatedminimises this negative effect and ensures that the car continues to operate safely.Research conducted by TyreSafe revealed that one in 20 motorists were unaware that running a caronunder-inflatedtyresleadstoanincreasein fuel consumption. The research also showed that even those people who were aware that fuel consumption would increase were still not checking their tyre pressures regularly enough. Fewer than half of respondents had checked their tyre pressures within the last month, the maximum period recommended by TyreSafe between checks.As well as increasing fuel costs, running under inflatedtyresaddsfurtherexpensetomotoristsas the tyres wear out quicker. At lower levels ofunder-inflation,thetyre’scontactpatchwiththe road surface is reduced to two small areas towards the outer edges of the tread. With the full vehicle load placed on these areas, the tread wears at a much higher rate, drastically reducing the performance of the tyre and forcing drivers to replace them much sooner than they would otherwise have needed to. By running tyres at just 80% of the recommended pressure, motorists can expect tyre life to be reduced

toaround75%.Ifthepressurefallsto60%,motorists can expect to achieve just 35% of the potential mileage from the tyre. TyreSafe’s top tips for checking tyre pressures correctly: •checkyourtyrepressuresatleastoncea month •tyrepressuresshouldbecheckedagainstthe vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level which can be found in the vehicle handbook and on a plate which is often located inside thefuelfillercaporonthedriver’sdoorsill •checkthepressurewhentyresarecold(i.e. when you have travelled less than two miles) • ifyouarecarryingafullloadofpassengers or luggage or will be towing a trailer or caravan, pressures should be increased in line with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations •ensureareliableandaccurategaugeisused •checkthepressureinallfourtyresnot forgetting the spare as well •whencheckingpressures,givetherestofthe tyre a visual inspection. Remove any stone or other objects embedded in the tread. Look out for any bulges, lumps or cuts • ifyouareunsureonanyaspectoftyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle toanapprovedfittingcentreandspeaktoa qualifiedspecialist

For more information: www.tyresafe.org

Offset fuel duty rise with correct tyre inflation

facts - the transport professional’s magazine #50

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