Friday, March 19th 2010
The latest fleet news
CFC Solutions warns how crucial maintenance checks are for extended life fleets
CFC Solutions, the market leader in the supply of fleet, contract hire and workshop management solutions, is warning companies extending their vehicles into a fifth year of operation that maintenance must be made a priority in order to ensure that their fleets are kept in a good and safe condition. This helpful advice comes at a [...]
VermillionMVT: How businesses can benefit with PDA mobile job management
VermillionMVT, the Preston based fleet management business and a leading provider of application tracking software and flexible technology solutions for businesses and individuals, is eager to explain the broad range of benefits of PDA mobile job management to those businesses that may not be familiar with such technology that offers an immediate return on investment. PDA [...]
Continued surge in student numbers enables unemployment to fall
Continued surge in student numbers enables unemployment to fall, despite fewer people in work as private sector sheds jobs, says CIPD Dr John Philpott, Chief Economic Adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) comments as follows on official labour market statistics published earlier today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which update [...]
Almost 50% agree with plans to fine drivers who leave engines running
Nearly half of people agree with plans to fine drivers who leave their engines running unnecessarily according to a new poll by Motorpoint. Some 47% of motorists surveyed by the car supermarket giant backed the move by North Lincolnshire Council to charge drivers £20 every time they leave their engine running for too long while loading [...]
IMI honour top industry achievers
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) celebrated the achievements of automotive companies and individuals in the Skillmiles scheme at its Annual Dinner last week in the presence of the Institute’s Patron, HRH Prince Michael of Kent. In front of an audience of more than 340 industry executives who attended the prestigious annual event at The [...]
Honda: affected models are not sold in Europe
Honda will recall approximately 344,000 Odyssey and 68,000 Element vehicles from the 2007-2008 model years in the US to modify the Vehicle Stability AssistTM (VSA®) modulator. Honda has received customer complaints of brake pedals that feel "soft" or that gradually exhibit a pedal height that gets lower (closer to the floor) before the vehicle stops. In [...]
Too expensive to fill up! Fleet Voice
Fleet Voice Column. March 17, 2010. The 2010 Formula One Season kicked off in Bahrain and saw Spaniard Fernando Alonso take a win on his Ferrari debut. It was a mixed event for British challengers, as Lewis Hamilton made it onto the third step of the podium, however reigning world champion, Jenson Button had a frustrating [...]
Responsible young drivers can earn insurance savings
As part of its campaign to address the most at-risk drivers on our roads – young drivers – the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) has provided an incentive for young drivers to be safer. IAM Surety Insurance, offered exclusively to IAM members via Adelaide Insurance, has until now been targeted at drivers aged 21 and above. [...]
Lex Autolease survey reveals company cars mean fast cash for UK businesses
Lex Autolease, the UK’s largest company car and van provider has recently commissioned a survey, in partnership with YouGov, which has highlighted the growth funds being raised through ‘sale and leaseback’ agreements with one in four (27%) financial directors intend to offload company-owned vehicles in a bid to raise more cash. The survey reveals that [...]
Lombard: Fundamentals of Salary Sacrifice need to be understood by fleets
Lombard Vehicle Management, the UK’s largest asset finance company are warning that fleets need to have a better appreciation of the fundamentals when it comes to salary sacrifice. Whist they may be flavour of the month a lack of understanding of what is involved in this type of scheme may spell problems for both employer [...]
‘Not a drop; not a drag’ campaign steps up a gear
Road safety charity Brake and Direct Line today reveal an overwhelming cry from the British public for Government action to 20curb the menace of drink and drug driving. The call comes in the same month as the findings from an inquiry on drink and drug driving by Lord Peter North for the Department for Transport are [...]
Toyota say recall programme on course
One month on from the launch of Toyota’s accelerator recall campaign, work has been completed on more than half – 90,000-plus – of the cars that have been identified as requiring attention. An even larger proportion of recalled Prius models have received adjustment to their braking software programme with 58 per cent of the affected vehicles [...]
The CIPD People Management Awards to celebrate good practice through recession in 2010
Nominations for the 2010 Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) People Management Awards are now officially open. Standard categories such as Employee engagement and Organisational learning will be contested as normal, alongside The Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award, introduced this year to recognise the contribution CIPD students make to business success. An overall winner [...]
Bank of England study adds dose of realism to assessment of UK labour market outlook
Responding to today’s analysis in the latest Bank of England Quarterly Bulletin of UK labour market adjustment during the recession, the CIPD’s Chief Economic Adviser, John Philpott, says that Bank officials have produced a realistic assessment of the outlook for jobs: “The Bank of England study adds a dose of realism to the view that [...]
April’s bike tyre safety month
Free campaign materials are now available for motorcycle dealers, tyre retailers, specialist repairers and motorcycle accessory shops enabling them to participate in April’s bike tyre safety month. The campaign is being organised by leading tyre safety action group, TyreSafe, and aims to raise awareness about the importance of correct tyre care and maintenance at this [...]
Ian Lucas plugs in to the UK’s first solar-powered electric vehicle charging point
Business Minister Ian Lucas yesterday announced £8.4m funding for a new training centre for the low carbon vehicle industry, meeting students from Gateshead College who will be using it to learn new low carbon skills. The new centre will train those already working in the sector, young people and adults, and students from age 14 upwards [...]
Ebbon-Dacs warns companies of the cost of using outdated technology
Ebbon-Dacs, the Oxford-based online solutions provider, is warning companies that employing outdated technologies to source and buy their new vehicles could be costing their businesses dearly. The supplier of the fleet industry’s leading e-procurement solution, Leaselink, used by 10 of the UK’s 15 largest contract hire and leasing companies to source and procure new vehicles electronically, [...]
New LPG rental service set help businesses save
A new vehicle hire company aims to provide businesses with a low cost, low carbon vehicle hire solution. As the UK’s first all-LPG vehicle hire firm, Wolverhampton-based Auto LPG Vehicle Hire provides business customers with a range of LPG vehicles including Ford Transits and Citroen Berlingos, available for short term hire. The firm offers flexible [...]
Comment: Brake urges cross-party support on lower drink-drive limit
The Sunday Times has reported that Lord Adonis, the transport secretary, expects an official review of the drink and drug drive laws by Sir Peter North to recommend reducing the legal drink-drive limit from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 50mg. He said he would take this “very seriously” and added: “A strong [...]
January’s motor finance sales up almost a quarter on previous year
The latest motor finance figures from the Finance & Leasing Association showed that the return of the 17.5% VAT rate and heavy snowfall impacted on sales in January, but consumer new car finance sales were up almost a quarter on last year. Consumers bought 23% more new cars using motor finance through dealers in January than [...]
Established in 1967, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term self-drive rental, leasing hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of 2.6 million cars, vans and trucks, buying 44% of all new vehicles sold in the UK. In doing so, they spend in excess of £15.4 billion each year on vehicles and around a further £4 billion on support services. Through its 800 member companies and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the 10 million people who use a rental vehicle each year. The association regulates the industry through a regular series of quality assurance inspections and a mandatory code of conduct.
The Accident Management Association was established in March 2001 as a new trade association to unite the industry. The Association provides services to accident management companies by helping to establish a favourable operating environment, by providing a forum for discussion on non-competitive issues, and by providing information to assist them in their business. The benefits of membership include: Promotion of the accident management industry; A central representative body putting forward the views of accident management companies to the Association of British Insurers, Government departments and other relevant organisations; Working closely with the insurance market to introduce appropriate mutually beneficial changes; Operating a technical centre providing commentary, guidance and advice on legal and other regulatory developments of relevance to accident management companies.
The Association of British Drivers is Britain's foremost campaigning group for drivers. We are a voluntary non-profit making organization funded by subscriptions and donations from members and the public. We receive no funds from the government or from any companies, and so represent the truly independent voice of the driver. The Association is run by volunteers from amongst its membership in their spare time. We have no full-time employees. The ABD was founded in 1992 by our Chairman, Brian Gregory, and a group of fellow drivers from all walks of life and from all parts of the United Kingdom. The objective of the ABD is to provide an active, responsible voice to lobby on behalf of Britain's beleaguered drivers upon many issues, especially those where official policy in recent years has been to discriminate against drivers by means of mis-information, obstruction, restriction, delay, or taxation.
The ABI (Association of British Insurers) represents the collective interests of the UK’s insurance industry. The Association speaks out on issues of common interest; helps to inform and participate in debates on public policy issues; and also acts as an advocate for high standards of customer service in the insurance industry. The Association was formed in 1985 when a number of existing industry bodies joined together, notably the British Insurance Association, the Life Offices’ Association, the Fire Offices Committee and the Accident Offices Association.Previously, the UK insurance industry was represented only by these specialist associations. The creation of the ABI meant that all sectors of the insurance company market could now speak through a single organisation.
ACFO offers up-to-the-minute information, excellent advice and training to support quality fleet management, for those everyone involved in running/managing a fleet, whether as a full-time professional, or on a part-time basis along with other responsibilities. Joining ACFO will give your organisation unrivalled access to a wealth of practical knowledge. There are nine regions around Great Britain, so whether your business operates five or 5,000 vehicles, there will be a local branch waiting to help you achieve the very best practice in the industry.
The Auto Locksmiths Association (ALA) was formed in 1996 as a non profit making association for professional Auto locksmiths. Membership requirements are that the applicant must have been a trading Auto Locksmith for at least two years, pass an entrance exam and provide references. Applications are vetted via an elected committee prior to acceptance. Membership is personal and is subject to standards and a code of conduct. You can find our members throughout the UK, Ireland (North & South), Europe and around the world. Meetings are held twice a year for members and invited guests for training and to share information and techniques.
Brake is a registered charity with two aims: 1. to prevent death and injury on the roads through education of all road users and campaigning for road safety. Road deaths are no accident; every death has a cause that can be prevented 2. to care for people bereaved or affected by serious injury in a road crash through support services by our division BrakeCare. Everything we do is covered by our two websites: this website, and www.roadsafetyweek.org. There are many people working for, or with, Brake: staff at our UK head office, hundreds of community volunteers, corporate supporters, and road safety professionals. Use our website to read more about our vision and objectives, read about some of our activities, and find out what our supporters say about us.
Established in 1967, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association is the trade body for companies engaged in the leasing and rental of cars and commercial vehicles. Its members provide short-term self-drive rental, leasing hire and fleet management services to corporate users and consumers. They operate a combined fleet of 2.6 million cars, vans and trucks, buying 44% of all new vehicles sold in the UK. In doing so, they spend in excess of £15.4 billion each year on vehicles and around a further £4 billion on support services. Through its 800 member companies and their customers, the BVRLA represents the interests of more than two million business car drivers and the 10 million people who use a rental vehicle each year. The association regulates the industry through a regular series of quality assurance inspections and a mandatory code of conduct.
The Department for Transport's aim is transport that works for everyone. This means a transport system which balances the needs of the economy, the environment and society. The Department for Transport provides leadership across the transport sector to achieve its objectives, working with regional, local and private sector partners to deliver many of the services. This section contains information on the Department's aims and objectives, its organisational structure, and the responsibilities of the various affiliated agencies. The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) came into force on 1 January 2005 and aims to make information held by public authorities more accessible to the public and allows individuals and companies to request a wide variety of material.
DVLA is best known for providing drivers with an updated tax disc for their vehicle. But we’re much more than that. We support law enforcement by maintaining an up to date register of drivers and vehicles. We also help deliver a wide range of road safety initiatives in conjunction with the Department for Transport, for which we are an executive agency. We play a major role in crime prevention and crime reduction through enforcement, prosecution and intelligence gathering. Our customers include the public, vehicle dealers, traders in personalised number plates and vehicle importers and our partners and stakeholders are police forces, magistrates and civil courts, motor trade associations etc.Operating from our HQ in Swansea and 39 local offices, 12 enforcement centres and unlicensed vehicle hotline centre spread across GB, we employ over 7,000 staff. The Agency is highly regarded as an efficient and well respected organisation.
The Drivers' Alliance is committed to the following principles: The Drivers' Alliance will – challenge the excessive and unfair tax burden placed on motoring. It will further lobby for the re-direction of funds raised through fuel and vehicle taxation to improve UK roads and services. The Drivers' Alliance believes - freedom to travel is a fundamental human right and policies which restrict such freedom through time and distance pricing, congestion charging, penal levels of legislation for minor offences and “modal change” are flawed. The Drivers' Alliance believes - that enhancing road safety through driver education, well engineered roads, junctions and vehicles is of paramount importance, as is the efficiency of modern motorised transport to maximise the benefit to society with minimal impact on the environment.
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is one of the executive agencies that forms the Motoring and Freight Services group, within the Department for Transport (DfT). We are a Trading Fund fully funded through fees and revenue from other road safety initiatives. We are a national organisation delivering tests from over 400 driving test centres and 140 theory test centres. We have statutory responsibility for setting standards and conducting theory and practical driving tests. We are also responsible for the statutory regulation of driving instructors and trainers together with the promotion of voluntary registers and non-statutory activities to improve driving standards.
DVLA Vehicle Licensing Online - You can apply for a new tax disc or, if you intend to take the vehicle off the road, declare Statutory Off Road Notification, known as SORN, directly over the internet. You can also use the vehicle enquiry service to check what information DVLA holds on its database about a vehicle.
The Energy Saving Trust believe running a clean, environmentally friendly fleet offers your businesses many benefits. It can reduce transport costs, cut vehicle emissions and improve corporate social reputation. Our transport advice programme is available to organisations in England and Scotland, and offers practical solutions to help reduce costs and improve the environmental performance of car and van fleets. We provide monthly fleet updates on current issues, as well as free telephone advice for business running fleets of less than 50 vehicles. For larger fleets (over 50 vehicles in England and over 20 in Scotland) we offer a free fleet review to help you cut emissions where possible. We have useful resources, such as publications, case studies and press releases that can help you understand more about greener vehicles and efficient driving.
The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) was established in 1990 as an ethical motoring organisation and sustainable travel lobby group.The ETA is now Britain’s largest charity focused on transport and the environment. Our aim is to raise awareness of the impact of excessive car use and help individuals and organisations to make positive changes in their travel habits. We are an ethical organisation – our green transport and environmental projects are funded by the revenue from the services we provide and donations from individuals. If you support our aims, please support our work.
The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), founded in 1991, represents the interests of the fifteen European car, truck and bus manufacturers at EU level. The European automotive industry is key to the strength and competitiveness of Europe. The ACEA members are BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler, FIAT Group, Ford of Europe, General Motors Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, Porsche, PSA Peugeot Citroën, Renault, Scania, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen and Volvo. They provide direct employment to more than 2.2 million people and indirectly support another 10 million jobs. Annually, ACEA members invest €20 billion in R&D, or 4% of turnover.
FLA campaigns for best practice in lending and leasing. Our website provides guidance for consumers on the types of finance products (explaining some of the words used), money advice, guidance on how credit decisions are taken and what happens when you want to repay your loan early. You will also find tips on credit repair, fraud prevention and our guide to financing a car. Our members include banks, subsidiaries of banks and building societies, the finance sections of leading retailers and manufacturing companies, and a range of independent firms. They provide a wide range of facilities, including finance leasing, operating leasing, hire purchase, conditional sale, personal contract purchase plans, personal lease plans, secured and unsecured personal loans, credit cards and store cards.
The Financial Ombudsman Service provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving financial disputes. It’s our job to settle individual complaints between consumers and businesses providing financial services. If we uphold a complaint, we can order matters to be put right. We can look at complaints about a wide range of financial matters – from insurance and mortgages to investments and credit. We’re completely independent and impartial – just as a judge would be if the consumer went to court instead. Our role is to settle disputes, without taking sides. So when we look at a complaint, we give both sides a fair hearing. We can often resolve disputes informally, but some cases are more complex and take more time. We aim to settle most disputes within six to nine months. Consumers don’t have to accept any decision we make. Our service is confidential – we do not publish the names of businesses or consumers whose complaints we handle.
The Finance and Leasing Association (FLA) is the trade association for the motor finance industry. Our members provided £18 billion of finance for car purchases in 2008, and funded over 50% of all new car registrations. Although some car finance plans may seem complex, a little time studying them will help explain the key benefits – and help you get a better deal. The FLA has provided this online guide to car finance to help you make the right choice on the best finance product for you - whether you are interested in hire purchase, car leasing or straight forward car loans. This website explains the products sold in car dealerships, advises you on questions to ask when visiting a showroom and will guide you to the best product to meet your needs. You can also download a selection of helpful guides.
Freight Best Practice is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and managed by AECOM to promote operational efficiency within freight operations. Freight Best Practice offers FREE essential information for the freight industry covering topics such as saving fuel, developing skills, equipment and systems, operational efficiency and performance management.
Tailored to meet the requirements of all vehicle operating organisations, membership of FTA is designed to provide you with the right information to ensure a safe, legal and efficient transport function. Whether a larger vehicle or psv operator, a van operator, a logistics buyer or supplier to the industry, there is an FTA membership solution for you. You can also benefit from our industry leading services at special member prices and be sure of an independent, general or tailored solution to meet your needs at a national standard.
HSE's job is to protect people against risks to health or safety arising out of work activities. "Our mission is to prevent death, injury and ill health in Great Britain’s workplaces." We do this through research, information and advice, promoting training, new or revised regulations and codes of practice, inspection, investigation and enforcement.
The Highways Agency, established in 1994, is an executive agency of the Department for Transport. Our respective roles and responsibilities and the governance of the relationship are set out in a formal framework document. We are responsible for the operation and stewardship of the strategic road network in England on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport. Our primary functions are to manage traffic, tackle congestion, provide information to road users and improve safety and journey time reliability, whilst respecting and minimising the adverse impact on the environment. We put customers first in everything we do, listening to them, and gaining a better understanding of the way our network impacts on them. Through this understanding we are better placed to respond to their needs and expectations.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005, following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise Departments. We are here to ensure the correct tax is paid at the right time, whether this relates to payment of taxes received by the department or entitlement to benefits paid. A range of online services are available covering a range of taxes and benefits provided by both HMRC and a number of commercial suppliers. Irrespective of which supplier you decide to use our online services offer a quick, convenient, safe and secure way to deal with a whole range of tax, excise and benefit related issues.
The International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV) was established in 1986 to provide the NGV industry with an international forum and to foster growth, safety, product development and policy formation. Including our regional affiliates, we currently represent the interests of more than 600 members throughout the world. In the twenty years since our establishment, we have seen worldwide NGV numbers grow from almost none to five million vehicles. Over the next 15 years, we are projecting a ten-fold increase, to reach a target of 50 million NGVs on the road globally by 2020.
Established in 1956, the IAM is the UK’s leading road safety organisation dedicated to raising driving and riding standards and reducing the number of collisions that occur on our roads. Being an advanced driver or rider is a journey of continuous learning, and one of its key stages is the internationally recognised Advanced Test. The IAM is a registered charity. We are not owned by, or financially dependent on, any other organisation – commercial or public sector – that might have conflicting interests, or indeed a vested interest in a specific aspect of road safety. We do this in a number of ways: By playing a major role in the development and promotion of new road safety ideas; By influencing policy at all levels of government; And through our Skill for Life programme which enables drivers and riders to prepare for our Advanced Driving and Advanced Motorcycling tests. The IAM advises, and is consulted by, leading organisations world-wide with responsibilities for Road Safety.
Since our launch in 1992, we have gone from strength to strength by providing car fleet managers, administrators, fleet service providers and those whose job responsibilities include fleet with one of the finest training and education programmes available and by connecting people who have similar responsibilities and interests to deliver a powerful network. We are more committed than ever to achieving our primary goal - to provide our members with a high quality, structured and accredited training programme. We are also keen to foster and promote best practice in all aspects of car fleet management within industry and commerce and to advance the professionalism of our members in all their undertakings, encouraging success for them as individuals and delivering real value to their employers.
The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the motor industry. The Institute is the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry, part of the Skills for Business network and also the governing body for the Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA) scheme. There are 25,000 individual IMI members, from across all areas of the motor industry, who are recognised for their skills and experience. IMI Membership is awarded on the basis of an individual's qualifications, career history and motor industry experience. Get recognition of your skills together with 25,000 IMI members entitled to use letters after their name, showing they are qualified professionals.
Mirad has many members throught the UK who offer cherished and personalised vehicle registration services at competitive rates. Our members carry cherished plates in stock and are able to source your desired number through our service network. We can also offer registration valuation services and assistance in selling on your cherished registration.
MIRA is a leading independent provider of product engineering, testing, consultancy, certification, research and information. With a unique blend of resources, facilities and staff, supported by ongoing investment in the most advanced technology, our customers benefit from unrivalled expertise. MIRA is a truly international organisation operating in locations around the world. Our teams apply their knowledge and experience for the benefit of clients in established and developing industries worldwide. We have designed and developed products for clients in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America and the USA.
The NACFB is the only UK trade body dedicated to the commercial finance broker. We represent members from across the whole commercial finance market: from buy-to-let specialists and commercial mortgage advisers to vehicle finance brokers; from leasing and asset finance specialists to factoring brokers. The NACFB was founded in 1992 to raise standards of proper professional practice in the commercial broker industry. The aim was to secure the integrity and future wellbeing of the broker market for the benefit of both brokers and their customers. The Association publishes these standards in its own industry recognised Code of Practice, which has been adopted by an increasing number of commercial finance, lease and asset finance and vehicle finance brokers. In the interests of members and their clients, the NACFB monitors legislation and makes representations to the Government and Regulators.
Since 1930 the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) has championed and promoted the interests of the tyre retailer. That role remains unchanged to this day, although the Association has evolved significantly since those earliest days of motorised transport. Members range from the largest national groups to the smallest family run business. Membership of the NTDA provides access to a wide range of practical commercial services as well as representation at the highest levels of government on issues concerning the tyre, fast fit and wider automotive aftermarket.
The RAC Foundation explores the economic, mobility, safety and environmental issues relating to roads and the use of motor vehicles, and campaigns to secure a fair deal for responsible road users. Independent and authoritative research for the public benefit and informed debate are central to the RAC Foundation’s standing. The RAC Foundation leads the debate on a number of issues of interest to the responsible motorist. Campaigns include: Road Safety, Consumer issues, Road Infrastructure, Road pricing, Road Vehicles. Research includes a major new study into the strategic road network in England. The Foundation is consulted by Government on a wide range of transport policy issues, and is a respected voice on all issues of concern to the motorist.
We exist to help companies working within the retail motor industry. Our membership covers virtually every area of the industry; from new and used car dealerships to independent petrol retailers, we aim to further our members’ interests and act as an organisation where membership assures quality of service to the consumer.
The RMI Cherished Number Dealers Association (CNDA) was established in 1971 to represent reputable and responsible dealers in vehicle registration numbers (also known as plates or marks), and to protect the interests of their customers. Complete list of RMI Cherished Number Dealers Association (CNDA) members.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) provides dedicated campaigning, advice, information and business services specially tailored for the haulage industry. We also use our buying power to negotiate exclusive savings on a range of key haulage services, saving members time and money. Whether you're operating heavy goods vehicles, running a small fleet of vans or providing a product or service to our industry, there's a membership package tailored to meet your business needs.
The Road Users’ Alliance (RUA) was formed to provide a voice for those organisations with an interest in ensuring the future of our road system. Not just those who build roads and use the road infrastructure to carry services but all of us who count on the roads to get from A to B.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is a registered charity established over 90 years ago and aims to campaign for change, influence opinion, contribute to debate, educate and inform - for the good of all. RoSPA's driver and fleet solutions department has extensive and proven experience in delivering all aspects of driver training in all types of vehicles, both on and off road in the UK and abroad. Over the years RoSPA has also built an unrivalled reputation as an innovative provider of risk management and fleet safety solutions including driver and rider related training. RoSPA offers a range of courses for every driving related requirement. From fleet manages through to all staff, RoSPA's courses can help reduce accident rates, save money and improve driver performance. National standards are monitored by external organisations including the Driving Standards Agency and the Edexcel Foundation for vocational training.
Safe Speed: dedicated to intelligent road safety. SafeSpeed.org.uk aims to objectively analyse the evidence for various strategies for road safety improvement. We are starting from a position where we mistrust speed limits as a primary road safety strategy, and we are proud to suggest intelligent alternatives. Our sole objective is to promote better road safety, eventually through improved legislation which properly targets dangerous drivers and dangerous behaviours.
SMMT plays a central role in the working life of the motor industry. Whether the industry is your business or it impacts on your organisation in any way, SMMT can deliver real business benefits to help your company meet the challenges of the future.
The Business Travel Initiative (BTI) is a national pilot project developed as the result of requests from small to medium sized local businesses for help to manage transport issues. Bedfordshire County Council and the European Social Fund have responded by making money and support available to offer free access to high-level skills training and support through BTI. The project offers you access to a dedicated training coordinator, who will identify your company’s needs during an initial meeting, and then tailor training and support to suit your business needs. The training aims to give managers the skill and knowledge to develop a strategic travel plan, which will bring real benefits to the company, staff and local environment. Managers will then be given support to put the plan into action, including getting your staff involved in the project.
The Highway Code online. The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone. Its rules apply to all road users: drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians as well as horse riders.
The Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair helps motorists to identify responsible garages, offers a structured complaints procedure and promotes good customer service at its subscribing garages. More than 5,500 garages in the UK subscribe to the Code which has completed the first stage of Office of Fair Trading (OFT) code approval and is currently progressing through the further stages of its Consumer Codes Approval Scheme.
TyreSafe is the new name for the Tyre Industry Council, a not for profit non commercial organisation set up 16 years ago with the responsibility of raising the awareness of the importance of the dangers of defective and worn tyres. TyreSafe has received positive support from all major tyre companies and leading tyre retailing groups across the UK together with other road safety organisation such as the RAC Foundation, RoadSafe and BRAKE. The organisation and its activities has been credited with reducing the number of defective tyres in the UK over the past 16 years from 20% to 12% today. The new TyreSafe will continue to campaign to underline the dangers of driving with defective or badly worn tyres and will provide information to government about these dangers to help influence any change in the tyre law.
The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) is an executive agency within the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR), UK Government. The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) provides a range of licensing, testing and enforcement services with the aim of improving the roadworthiness standards of vehicles ensuring the compliance of operators and drivers, and supporting the independent Traffic Commissioners.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is the designated UK Approval Authority and Technical Service for type approval to all automotive European Community (EC) Directives and the equivalent United Nations Economic Community for Europe (ECE) Regulations. Vehicle Type Approval is the confirmation that production samples of a design will meet specified performance standards. Information on type approval on cars, motorcycles, goods vehicles, agricultural and forestry tractors, motor caravans, trailer certification, CEN standards for ambulances, bus and coach certification, system and component approval.
The World LP Gas Association is the authoritative, global voice for LP Gas. It promotes the use of LP Gas worldwide to help foster a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous world. The WLPGA offers a number of services to members of the association. With 175 members spread across 90 countries, the World LP Gas Association is the global voice for the LP Gas industry. It represents the interests of private and public companies from the entire LP Gas value chain under one umbrella. The WLPGA provides a platform for the exchange of best practices and statistics among its members. Its Annual World Forum, with hundreds of visitors, up to 700 delegates and 40 exhibitors is just one example.
The latest road tests
Alfa Romeo Mito - Following on from Alfa’s popular new MiTo launched in 2009 comes the MiTo MultiAir. MultiAir is much more than a marketing buzzword as it unquestionably signifies a major advancement in petrol engine [...]
Vauxhall Insignia - Vauxhall’s inspired replacement for the functional yet incredibly dull Vectra, the Insignia, has certainly blown away the design cobwebs at the manufacturer. It is without doubt one of the prettiest c [...]
Nissan NV200 - Nissan introduced the NV200 to the European market as a concept at the Hanover Motor Show back in 2008 and the production model has set the tone for its future LCV line-up. The NV200 is a nimble packa [...]
Toyota Auris - Launched in 2007 as the successor to the long-serving, record-selling Corolla, for 2010 the Auris has been restyled inside and out with revised suspension, newer Optimal Drive engines and spec enhance [...]
Skoda Roomster - The Roomster is the least known of the current model line up at Skoda even though it has been an integral part of their family for several years and in many ways it’s easy to see why. There’s no doubt [...]
Ford Galaxy - The Galaxy gains a new turbo petrol engine and twin-clutch gearbox, while the diesel engine line-up is also revised. Upgraded trim levels bring more standard equipment, but the Galaxy’s impressive sev [...]
The latest traffic information
M2 Medway Bridge, Kent: Maintenance Inspections
To ensure that the M2 Medway Bridge is effectively maintained, the Highways Agency will be inspecting the bridge near junctions 1 to 3 on the M2 in Rochester, Kent from Monday 15 March until the end of May. Work will take place first on the coastbound carriageway and then later on the London-bound carriageway. All [...]
Boost to Economy as £8 Million Improvement Work On M4 Start Early
Advance work to improve safety and tackle congestion on the M4 in Berkshire started this month. Work is now underway on an improvement scheme to the M4 between junction 8/9 at Maidenhead and junction 10 at Wokingham costing £8 million – £4 million of which is Government fiscal stimulus funding. The Highways Agency is strengthening [...]
From next Monday, the Highways Agency will begin work to install protective screens on the Woodway Lane footbridge which crosses the M6 between Junction 2 (Coventry) and Junction 3 (Bedworth). This follows repeated incidents of objects being thrown from the bridge, resulting in more than ten vehicles being struck. A local partnership, including the Highways [...]
Good News for Motorists – M4 Works between J18 and 19 completed eight days ahead of schedule
Work to replace 4.3 miles of steel central reservation barrier with a safer concrete barrier between junction 18 (Bath) and 19 (M32 Bristol) of the M4 has been completed a week ahead of schedule and half a million pounds under budget. A combination of careful planning and good weather has helped the project team complete [...]
New traffic lights for A628/A57 junction, Hollingworth
The Highways Agency will be carrying out work to install new traffic lights at the junction of the A628 and A57 in Hollingworth Village near Glossop. Work will start on Monday, 22 March and will be completed on 30 April. As well as installing new traffic lights, work will also take place to provide pedestrian [...]
West Midlands motorway and trunk road maintenance programme 15-21 March 2010
M6 Junction 14 (Stafford North) to Junction 13 (Stafford South) The southbound M6 between junction 14 and junction 13 will be closed overnight from 8.00pm to 6.00am from Saturday 20 March to Sunday 21 March for the removal of narrow lanes as part of hard shoulder strengthening. This will include the entry slip road at [...]
Yorkshire and the Humber Roadworks Update; Saturday 13 March to Friday 19 March
M1, Junction 30 (Barlborough) to Junction 31 (Aston), south of Sheffield Slight delays are expected on the M1 between Junction 30 (Barlborough) and Junction 31 (Aston) due to sign repair work. There will be two lanes closed on the northbound carriageway overnight from 9pm on 18 March until 5am on 19 March. M1, Junction 32 [...]
Overnight closures to install bridge beams over the A421
The project to improve safety and cut congestion on the A421 between Bedford and the M1 at Junction 13 moves a step forward next week, Monday 15 March, weather permitting, when work will begin to place the beams on the two new bridges at Marsh Leys Junction. The bridges are being built to carry the [...]
ONGOING SCHEMES A595 West Lakes Science Park to Bigrigg (resurfacing and drainage) – traffic signals for resurfacing and drainage works. Work continues until the 26th March. M6 (Cumbria) Between Junctions 39 and 40 Shap to Penrith (bridge works) – various lane closures and contraflow in both directions for bridge improvements. Work continues until the 26th [...]
ONGOING SCHEMES M57 Junction 2 to Junction 1 Prescot to Huyton (safety system) – overnight closure southbound from 22.00 to 05.00 between Monday 15th March and 19th March for installation of the MIDAS traffic safety system. M53 & A41 M53 Junction 4 to Junction 5 Bebington to Ellesmere Port and A41 junction with M53 Junction [...]
Highways Agency meet with project partners and local residents to address M6 work concerns
The Highways Agency are working closely with Walsall Council and the residents who live closest to the M6 roadworks near Junction 10 (Walsall) to find solutions to their concerns and develop new ways of working for the remainder of the project. Last week, the Highways Agency met with project partners Carillion and Mouchel at the [...]
North East roadworks update – 13th March – 19th March
A1M, Junction 62, County Durham Slight delays are expected overnight on the A1M at Junction 62 for CCTV camera installation works. There will be one lane open north and southbound on the slip roads and circulatory between 8pm and 6am. The works will take place until 13 March. A1 Newcastle Gateshead Western Bypass, [...]
M25 widening making good progress – work to start between junctions 18 and 21
The next stage of a major construction project to widen the M25 in Hertfordshire is being marked by public exhibition at Hunton Bridge in Abbots Langley. The Highways Agency is widening the motorway from three lanes to four between junction 16, for the M40, and junction 23, for the A1(M). The M25 is also being [...]
Good News For Motorists – Mere A303 Works Completing Nine Days Ahead Of Schedule
Major resurfacing and maintenance work on the A303 near Mere is being completed nine days ahead of schedule and around £1 million under budget. All traffic management and diversion routes will be lifted by the evening of Friday, March 12 marking the end of these major works in Wiltshire. A combination of careful planning and [...]
Driver Advice Crufts 11-14 March 2010
Visitors to Crufts this week are being advised by the Highways Agency to plan their journey and allow plenty of time to get to the event. With around 150,000 people expected to attend the show, surrounding roads, particularly the M42 and M6, are likely to be very busy. The Highways Agency has had the electronic [...]
Work to repair A47 carriageway
Repairs to a section of the A47 west of Dereham are set to start on Thursday 11 March. The work involves replacing several concrete carriageway slabs with an asphalt surface on the westbound carriageway as well as repairs to Scarning Bridge on both east and westbound carriageways. The work will be carried out between 8pm [...]
Smoother road surface for the A46 at Winthorpe, Nottinghamshire
A scheme to resurface the Winthorpe roundabout, and repair sections of the A46 carriageway near Winthorpe will start on Monday, 22 March. The work will take place overnight between 8pm and 6am for four nights, but while the resurfacing and carriageway patching repairs take place there will be lane and carriageway closures. From Monday 22 [...]
A500 Stoke on Trent (Etruria to Porthill) improvement update
Work on the A500 Etruria to Porthill improvement scheme is continuing on schedule despite setbacks caused by the recent adverse weather. The majority of street lighting columns have been erected and work to reconstruct the footpath is ongoing. From next week, as announced in the original notification of works, the speed limit through the roadworks [...]
Weekly Summary of Roadworks for M25 – 11/03/2010
A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All dates and times subject to weather conditions M25 Widening M25 junction 27 The anti clockwise link road leading to the M11 northbound will be closed overnight for 11 nights from 10.00pm to 05.30am from Monday 15 March 2010 until Friday 26 March [...]
Weekly Summary of Roadworks in Kent & Sussex – 11/03/2010
A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All of the following work is dependent on suitable weather conditions. M20 Junction 8 Ashford Road The A20 Ashford Road Bridge, which runs above the M20 junction 8 overbridge will be closed until mid March. The work is being carried out in order [...]
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