Kent-based Matthew James Global Relocations has strengthened its already impressive fleet of vehicles with the addition of five brand new Mercedes-based SprintMAX low-loader vans from UK builder, Maxi Mover.

Truck and van drivers leaving the UK and travelling to France must have a COVID test taken in the 72 hours prior to arrival in France. It will not be possible to enter France without proof of a negative test.

The UK’s Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revised its guidance on how it categorises vehicle defects in roadside checks.

With Scania’s planned rapid introduction of electric vehicles over the coming years, there is a concurrent need to intensify battery testing and tailored deployment.

According to lawyers at Fox Williams and Hagens Berman UK, who are working on a potential group action litigation on behalf of England and Wales Mercedes owners, a decision released by the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) on 17 December last year puts Mercedes further on the back-foot in the face of claims that they engaged in diesel emissions fraud in the European market.

IAM RoadSmart is part of a project called Drive2thefuture. It wants your views on developing training programmes, policies and other cost efficient measures to help people to use autonomous vehicles safely.

Hauliers and commercial drivers are now able to log on to the Check an HGV is Ready to Cross the Border service to register their details and prepare for any upcoming journeys they plan in the New Year.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Road Freight and Logistics has published a report recommending that the plan for roll out of nationwide Clean Air Zones (CAZ) is paused.

From 1 February, 2021, Construction and Use Regulations in the UK will not allow tyres over 10 years old to be used on the front steered axles of HGVs, buses, coaches or on other single wheels fitted to a minibus.

The findings of the new Low Emissions Freight Trial (LEFT) report published on 18 November, 2020 by the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership acknowledges that Heavy Goods Vehicles fuelled by biomethane (gas) can provide significant carbon reductions.

Volvo Trucks says hauliers and transport buyers are increasingly interested in reducing their CO2 emissions and costs, through the use of refrigerated liquefied gas as a fuel.

With the ability to transport up to 20 tons more cargo in just one trip, gigaliners promise less congestion and lower emissions, but they’re also facing strong criticism because of the impact on the road network, rail transport, and safety. So, what is the outlook for these giants on European roads?

Transport consultant and re-seller of TruTac’s compliance control software, Mister Tacho Ltd, has clarified the position regarding WTD (Working Time Directive) regulations and highlighted the benefits of using reliable compliance software to keep operators on the right side of the law. ​

Following the announcement by Transport for London (TfL) on 28 September that the enforcement of the Direct Vision Standard (DVS) and the tightening of the London-wide Low Emission Zone (LEZ) will be implemented on 1 March, 2021, Natalie Chapman, Logistics UK’s Head of Urban Policy has expressed concern that the impact of introducing the schemes during the COVID-19 pandemic would have a detrimental effect on the haulage industry.

Siemens Mobility Limited and Transport for London (TfL) have announced the launch of Sitraffic FUSION, an all-new adaptive traffic control solution.

​Volvo Trucks has announced that it is running tests of electric versions of the heavy-duty Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks, which will be used for regional transport and urban construction operations in Europe. Sales will begin in 2021 and volume production will start in 2022.

ECMT (European Conference of Ministers of Transport ) permits allow you to transport most types of goods (or drive an empty vehicle) through ECMT member countries.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has announced the launch of a Customs Brokerage Service to help hauliers cope with new customs requirements at the end of the Brexit transition period on 1 January, 2021.

Spanish car manufacture SEAT has launched a pilot project to produce vehicle trim from Oryzite - a material made from rice husks - as an alternative to using traditional plastics.

The Hyundai Motor Company has delivered the first seven of 50 XCIENT Hydrogen Fuel Cell, heavy-duty trucks due to be handed over to customers in Switzerland later this year.