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.

On 8 October, the UK government published its updated Border Operating Model which sets out how border controls will work and what companies need to do to move goods to and from the EU after the transition period ends on 31 December, 2020.

Toyota has announced that it is working with partners in North America and Japan to extend its research and development of hydrogen-fuelled transport beyond cars to heavy-duty trucks and trains.

The RHA has estimated that UK haulage operators have slashed NOx emissions from trucks by at least 59% in only six years.

Inspecting and maintaining vehicles and trailers effectively in today’s increasingly technological world is becoming more challenging for commercial vehicle engineers. To help those responsible for the maintenance of fleets of all sizes, Logistics UK will be holding its first virtual Fleet Engineer Conference on 21 October, 2020.

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.

Volkwagen UK Van Centres are now taking orders for the German manufacturer’s first all-electric panel van for the UK; the ABT eTransporter 6.1. Prices start from£42,060 + VAT, but no date has yet been given for delivery of the new zero emissions vehicle.

Following receipt of a letter from Michael Gove MP on 22 September detailing the UK government’s ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’ planning, the RHA remains extremely sceptical about the UK government’s readiness for the end of the Brexit transition period.