In the news: ABD comment on speed limits and speed cameras; Cars are getting greener, top ten most reliable brands and more…
Welcome to a round-up of news and comment on fleet-relevant matters. Today we look at the ABD’s thoughts on speed limits and speed cameras, reflect on the good news that cars are getting greener and catch up with Saab. We also supply a top ten list and plenty of driving tips (because everybody loves lists).
–
So we will begin with the ABD (Association of British Drivers) and how they believe that for many years speed camera stats have been manipulated and hidden by camera partnerships and local authorities.
“If they genuinely showed success they would be broadcasting them from the rooftops,” they say.
The ABD are calling for full details of casualty and accident data per billion vehicle kilometres at each camera site 5 years either side of installation to be made readily available. They require this information to also include accident and casualty dates, estimated/reconstructed speeds of vehicles involved, directions of travel and distance from camera location.
The ABD would also like to see:
- Effects separated into “fatal”, “serious injuries”, and “non serious injuries” rather than than “KSI” (killed or seriously injured);
- Causal factors in the accidents (drunk, drugged, unlicensed, stolen vehicle, etcetera) and number of vehicle occupants;
- Other changes to immediate road layout and significant area changes during the ten year period.
On a separate but related topic, the ABD has urged the government to transfer speed setting powers from local councils to police experts.
“Speed limits are a vital road safety tool. Setting them incorrectly, ignoring expert advice and established scientific principles (the 85th percentile) is a dangerous game. Any objections to limits these days, even by police traffic officers are simply overruled in a rubber stamping exercise. The Tories have let the motorist and road safety down badly, creating further disrespect for all limits and criminalising even more safe drivers with artificially low limits,” says ABD chairman Brian Gregory.
Do you agree that camera partnerships and local authorities are manipulating speed camera stats? What would full details of casualty and accident data reveal? Do you also agree with Brian Gregory’s comments that police experts are being ignored and that local councils are playing a dangerous game? If you have an opinion on these issues then please leave a comment.
–
And now for some good news: Cars are getting greener. Cars on the road today generate 14 per cent of all CO2 emissions in the UK, which is marginally less than in 2000 and this is despite an increase of 4 million cars on the road.
While carbon emissions from all forms of road transport continue to rise, the rate from cars fell from 196 grams of CO2 per km in 1997 to 174 grams CO2 per km in 2008. Total UK emissions are forecast to increase but those from cars are set to continue falling.
“Despite what many green experts may say, Britain’s drivers and the motoring industry are doing their bit to reduce carbon emissions. Drivers are shifting to greener engines and have embraced incentives like cheaper vehicle excise duty for more fuel efficient models. Manufacturers should also take credit for producing models across the range that are cleaner and greener. But driving style is crucial – the best fuel-saver is a light right foot and anticipation of the road ahead,” comments IAM (who produced the motoring facts report) director of policy and research Neil Greig.
So, well done to drivers and the automotive industry in general. For those who are wondering what are the best ways to improve MPG and cut carbon emissions, here are some useful tips:
- Keep your vehicle moving rather than stopping and starting. Look further ahead and slow down earlier to avoid stopping. Driving at a constant speed is far more fuel efficient than heavy accelerating and braking;
- Check your tyres. Under-inflated tyres have a big impact on fuel economy;
- Put your car on a diet. Remove unnecessary weight, including roof racks, car clutter and heavy items in the boot;
- Try to avoid using air conditioning and climate control at low speeds as they increase fuel consumption. Open a window. However at high speeds, close your windows to maintain the aerodynamics of the car. Use air-con to get the car to a comfortable temperature, and then turn it off to save fuel;
- Clean screens rarely mist up. So you’ll use the heater and air-conditioning less.
- Try changing up your gears earlier. 2,500 rpm for petrol engines, 2,000 rpm for diesel engines;
- Reverse into parking bays. Manoeuvring with a cold engine uses more fuel, so make the most of having a hot engine;
- Drive at an even pace over speed humps. Slowing down and speeding up drinks more fuel.
And very importantly, for so many, many reasons: Stick to the speed limit.
–
In his latest Fleet Voice column Alisdair Suttie speculates on what will power the cars of the future and looks in on the debate surrounding the ancillary components of a car.
“Whether it will be more efficient use of fossil fuels, biofuel, electricity, hybrid technology, hydrogen fuel cells, natural gas or old socks, there is a parallel discussion that has not been given nearly as many column inches. This debate centres on all of the ancillary components of a car. It’s a crucial consideration for the future of the car as none of us want to give up all of the creature comforts we’re now so used to, even if it does mean saving energy,” says Suttie.
To read this article in full, follow the link below:
Energy evolution–where it’s come from and what’s the destination?
If you have missed any of Alisdair’s fascinating articles, the latest can be seen here:
- Why fleet drivers should play their part in vehicle maintenance;
- Vauxhall are Amp’ing up the electric drive;
- Why Philip Hammond should satisfy Britain’s need for speed;
- The engine remains the same – how new smaller models have retained their power;
- Aim high – what lies ahead for the French?
–
Almost every fleet manager will place reliability at the head of any list of fleet car requirements. So warranty specialist MB&G’s recent list of the top ten “most reliable” car brands makes for interesting reading.
- Honda;
- Lexus;
- Mitsubishi;
- Toyota;
- Suzuki;
- Kia;
- Hyundai;
- Subaru;
- Mazda;
- Nissan.
Does anything about this list stand out? Yes, that’s right, the entire top ten is made up of Japanese and Korean brands.
–
Let’s quickly take a look at the latest employments and deals in the fleet industry:
Jaama recruit major account sales manager
Fleet management software provider Jaama has recruited Richard Evans as major account sales manager. Richard joins to head up sales of their Key2 product range and to manage the large fleets across both the public and private sectors.
Crystal Ball announce three-year mobile tracking deal
Tracking services provider Crystal Ball is to supply its mobile phone vehicle tracking and employee monitoring system to PRO-Driver, a UK prestige and fleet car delivery and transfer company. The three-year deal involves Crystal Ball’s mobile technology being installed on 95 staff mobile phones.
Read the full story
Norton Way adopts Ebbon Dacs’ MoDel
Dealer group Norton Way will automate the handover for thousands of fleet vehicles with Ebbon-Dacs’ MoDel system. Responsible for delivering 6,000 fleet vehicles to contract hire and leasing companies every year, Norton Way has introduced the system to realise a “paper-free utopia”.
Read the full story
–
It has been another difficult week for Saab, with the Swedish manufacturer struggling to pay staff wages. The company has issued a statement saying it is working on a number of initiatives to secure further short and medium-term funding:
“Swedish Automobile and Saab Automobile are in discussions with various parties to obtain short-term funding, including via the sale and lease-back of the real estate of Saab that was announced previously, and with their financiers in connection with current financing arrangements.”
–
And finally, with the sun finally appearing, and although British summertime may for once be worthy of the name, many families will still be leaving for slightly more guaranteed sun on the continent. Here are some useful driving tips on the major pitfalls of driving on the continent, courtesy of the IAM:
- Get used to driving on the right when you arrive by using the motorway, where signs and traffic flow will help you take the right position;
- Overtaking will be more difficult in a right-hand-drive car as your view will be blocked. Pull back from the vehicle in front to improve your field of vision;
- In some European countries drivers approaching from the right have priority. A yellow diamond sign shows that you are on a road which has right of way over roads joining it. You’ll see them on many main European roads. If the yellow diamond sign is crossed out, you no longer have right of way, so be cautious;
- European countries have lower drink drive limits – in France, Spain and Italy the limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, compared to 80mg in the UK. It’s easier not to drink. If you do drink, remember you might still be over the limit the next morning;
- Many countries on the continent require you to carry equipment such as warning triangles, reflective jackets and spare bulbs. Check the regulations before you travel and make sure you have the right kit;
–
So there is a round-up of what’s going on in the fleet industry. We hope you found it an interesting read and please do not hesitate to leave a comment below if you have an opinion on any of the above.
See also:
1 Comment
Safety Camera Partnerships were set up during the last decade to focus on the delivery of improved road safety interventions in the UK – including targeted speed enforcement at known casualty hot spots.
During the last decade ‘hypothecation’ or the ring fencing of fines generated by speed enforcement, enabled SCP’s to dedicate otherwise scant resources into reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads.
In 2007 the Labour Government removed the ‘ring fencing’ status of fines from speeding, which resulted in less funding to SCP’s and which indirectly also reduced the amount of funding dedicated to wider road safety interventions such as education and publicity. The new Coalition Government has not re-instated the ring fencing of revenue from speeding fines and they have also cut road safety ‘grants’ to local authorities as part of the deficit reduction programme. The net result of the changes in funding in 2007 and the cuts in public services in 2010 is there is less money to support road safety – including enforcement and education.
SCPs consist of the Police, the Local Authority, The Magistrates Courts, Fire Service, Health Authorities and road safety professionals. The vast majority of safety camera partnerships were Police ‘led’ as the Police were responsible for operating and maintaining road side technology. Setting speed limits has been a consultative process for many years involving key highways stakeholders – including the police.
Many in road safety (including the Police and other emergency services) are very concerned that the removal of dedicated funding for road safety (including enforcement) will lead to an increase in road deaths and serious injuries. We await the publication of RCGB for 2010/11 – with trepidation!
Susan
June 28, 2011, 10:54 am.
