The latest fleet news

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 [...]

TomTom App now offers HD traffic and local search

TomTom have today announced several enhancements to its TomTom app for iPhone, including HD traffic compatibility and Local Search powered by Google. These new features hope to ensure optimal routing and an even more intuitive navigation experience. The latest version of the TomTom app (Version 1.3) can be purchased on the App Store starting today. “TomTom continues to [...]

Europcar roll out new multimedia devices to aid journey planning

Europcar is the first company in Europe to offer Microsoft Surface tables to provide its customers with a new way of planning their journeys. The first interactive touch-driven table using is being previewed at this week’s ITB Berlin fair and will be rolled out for customers over the next few weeks at Munich airport. A selection [...]

Workers in finance sector worst at falsely claiming expenses

Almost one in thirty SME employees has falsely claimed expenses according to research commissioned by fuelGenie. At a time when business profits are under immense pressure, small businesses need to have robust expense practices in place – failure to do so will have a significant impact on a company’s bottom line. Sarah Keane at fuelGenie said: [...]

UK performing relatively poorly in Europe’s jobless league table, says CIPD

Although unemployment has risen by far less than expected in the past year, a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) analysis of official Eurostat data finds joblessness in the UK to be relatively high by European Union (EU) standards. According to the CIPD the UK is no better than a ‘mid table’ performer in [...]

Comment: ASA CO2 Adverts Adjudication

The Association of British Drivers (ABD) welcomes the fact that two Government newspaper adverts have been banned by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for exaggerating the dangers of projected future climate change. The ASA have also referred the TV advert to Ofcom for potentially breaching a ban on political advertising. However, we are disappointed, but [...]

The new BMW 5 Series Touring available from September 2010

Hot on the heels of the new BMW 5 Series Saloon that goes on sale in March, BMW’s popular Touring model will reach the UK market in September 2010. It will be the fourth generation of Touring models in the 5 Series range. BMW 5 Series Touring lease prices Initially available in four derivatives, the new BMW [...]

Fleet news round-up: March 12, 2010

February registration fillip for vans February UK registration data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show 10,348 vans and trucks registered in the month. Within that, there were 8,978 vans, up slightly, and 1,370 trucks, still well down. The rolling year total was down 32.2% to 220,521. This includes [...]

Diesel Misfuelling Devices

DDN Ltd

The Fuel Angel misfuelling prevention device from DDN Ltd, featured on Dragons Den, can replace the fuel filler cap on virtually every model of diesel car, van and light commercial vehicle to prevent the nozzle of unleaded petrol pumps being slotted into the wide-bore neck of diesel tanks. The Fuel Angel, is a precision engineered solid state device, made to last. No springs, flapping bits of plastic, moving parts or ball bearings that may drop into the tank. The Fuel Angel uses a number of adapters to fit the various kinds of fuel tank caps and it is estimated that it will fit ten million diesel vehicles on the UK roads that are vulnerable to misfuelling. It is estimated that between 150,000 and 200,000 motorists every year fill their car or van with unleaded petrol instead of diesel. It costs anything from £250 to £12,000 to drain the tank and repair any damage that may have been caused by running on the wrong fuel, not to mention the cost of the fuel that is lost.

Fuelsure

FuelSure protects your diesel vehicle from misfuelling with petrol. FuelSure can be fitted by anyone to most cars and vans - plus it's fully transferable. The unique cap locking mechanism means that only a diesel nozzle will open the filler cap. FuelSure comes complete with a range of filler nack adaptors in the pack, fits over 90% of cars and light commercial vehicles on UK roads, and can easily be fitted by anyone in a matter of seconds. Each year over 150,000 cars are filled with the wrong fuel. Putting petrol in a diesel vehicle costs British motorists over £800million a year in repairs and £100m+ in other expenses.

Misfuel Sytems Ltd

Misfuel Systems Limited are the sole distributors for the SoloDiesel product within the UK and Ireland. Solodiesel is a replacement fuel cap that physically prevents the narrower diameter petrol nozzle entering into the wider diesel fuel aperture. The Solodiesel is the only capless device on the market and is easy to fit and easy to use. It is available in either a bayonet or a screw thread fitting which accommodates the majority of diesel cars and vans. Solodiesel is a ventilated, pressure opening, replacement fuel cap which physically prevents the all too common mistake of misfueling, often leading to repair costs of up to £7,000.

Pure Edge Limited

Pure Edge Ltd are proud to introduce the `Diesel Key’, the first Thatcham and MIRA accredited and certified misfuelling device. Mercedes Benz UK approved part. To any fleet management company, putting in the wrong fuel can be a nightmare. They face both hefty repair bills and loss of revenue. Made to the highest standards in the UK, the manufacturing plant conforms to all ISO and BSI manufacturing processes. Not only does this make the Diesel Key the first and only, fully tested device on the market but also the only device that will be validated by the insurance companies. We would welcome any enquires you may have and would be pleased to send you any additional information regarding our product, our services and potential benefits that our products can offer.

SMC Print & Distribution

SMC are distributors for the Diesel Key, the only Thatcham approved misfuelling prevention device. The Diesel Key replaces the existing filler cap and, once fitted, prevents you from accidentally putting the wrong fuel into a diesel filler neck. This device is a physical barrier that only the diesel pump will fit into. The Diesel Key is the only misfuelling device on the market today that offers protection from fuel theft. Each year in the UK alone it is estimated that at least 150,000 drivers misfuel that is one every three and a half minutes – generating around 7.5 million litres of contaminated fuel or the equivalent of three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

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

Highways Agency to install protective screens on Woodway Lane footbridge after objects thrown from bridge

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 [...]

Roadworks information for Highways Agency roads in Cumbria and North Lancashire – 7 days beginning Monday 15th March 2010

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 [...]

Roadworks information for Highways Agency roads in Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire and South Lancashire – 7 days beginning Monday 15th March 2010

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 [...]

Weekly Roundup of Roadworks in Surrey, Hampshire, South Oxfordshire and South Berkshire

A traffic management summary for both new and ongoing work All of the following work is dependent on suitable weather conditions. M4 between Baydon & Membury Service Station The final phase of the maintenance work on the M4 between Baydon and Membury Service Station is continuing this week. Narrow lane traffic management is in place [...]

New rules to improve safety and information at road works

All road works will need to be clearly signed and meet strict rules on safety under plans published today by Transport Minister Sadiq Khan. Utility firms already have to provide information at road works – including a contact telephone number and details of who is carrying out the works – as well as meeting high [...]

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