Legislation
MPs call for ban of hands-free mobile phone use behind the wheel
A group of MPs is calling for drivers to be banned from using hands-free mobile phones in England and Wales. While it has been illegal to use a handheld phone at the wheel since 2003, using a hands-free device creates “the same risks of collision”, the Commons Transport Select Committee has warned.
Australia set to ban waste tyre exports
The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) held its 47th general meeting on 9 August in Cairns. According to officials, it was the first time COAG has been held outside a capital city. A number of policy decisions were made, including that Australia should ban the export of waste tyres.
New connected MOT rules for test centres
On 12 August DVSA announced that, from 1 October, anyone buying a roller brake tester will have to ensure it can connect to the MOT testing service. This includes buying one as a replacement for an old or broken roller brake tester, or as part of the process of opening a new MOT station.
US lawmakers criticise Goodyear over Mexico factory
A number of US lawmakers have criticized Goodyear Tire & Rubber over its treatment of workers at its San Luis Potosi, Mexico tyre factory in a letter to CEO Richard Kramer. Democratic Representatives Rosa DeLauro, Terri Sewell and Jimmy Gomez signed the letter and complained that their access to the site was limited.
BBIF urges aftermarket to help promote battery industry
The British Battery Industry Federation (BBIF) is calling upon the automotive industry to join its ranks and lend support to its campaign after meeting with Government to discuss misrepresentation of batteries.
ETRMA: Vehicle data access a requirement for successful TaaS
When ETRMA called for open access to vehicle data for tyre manufacturers, the European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturer's Association had current and nascent Tyres as a Service (TaaS) technology in mind.
Roads minister announces ‘evidence review’ of red lights for recovery operators
In a significant win for the roadside rescue and recovery industry, Roads Minister Michael Ellis MP today announced that the Department for Transport would be reviewing the evidence base for the benefits of recovery operators being permitted to use red flashing warning beacons, instead of the amber warning beacons current legislation allows. The announcement occurred during a Westminster Hall debate led by Tracey Crouch MP.
Tyre industry calls for equal access to in-vehicle data
The European Tyre and Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (ETRMA) has outlined the importance of access to in-vehicle data and communication with drivers. “Connected & Automated Mobility”, a report prepared in collaboration with Quantalyse, draws attention to recent proposals for closed data concepts, such as the Extended Vehicle, which give vehicle manufacturers exclusive control of in-vehicle data, thereby hindering innovation by third parties.
Lay-by MOT tester banned
A Bristol-based MOT tester has been successfully prosecuted by The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) after he carried out sub-standard MOTs in a layby in Keynsham.
Michelin: Wet grip testing at 1.6mm will provide greater transparency
The debate over how much tread depth is sufficient and recommendable has been going on for years. While some tyre makers and motoring groups support changing the legal minimum tread depth to 3mm as a move towards greater peace of mind, Michelin has been a vocal advocate of not only keeping 1.6mm the legal minimum but of actually using tyres right down to this tread depth. It is also one of a growing number of parties calling for legislation that informs consumers how tyres perform when worn. Earlier this month, Michelin shared the latest developments in the quest for ‘Long Lasting Performance’.
Outstanding recalls could be next used-car Trading Standards issue: VRA
Outstanding manufacturer recalls could be the next issue of interest for Trading Standards in the used car sector, says the Vehicle Remarketing Association. The organisation, which represents businesses that handle, sell, inspect, transport or manage more than 1.5 million used vehicles every year, says that it has received reports of dealers being asked about this issue by Trading Standards.
Brexit ‘deal must be next PM’s first job’: SMMT
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has issued a plea to the UK’s next prime minister to secure a favourable Brexit deal as his number one priority on taking office. The call came as the trade body published a new report highlighting the importance of automotive trade to the UK economy and the high stakes of a ‘no deal’ Brexit. SMMT’s 2019 UK Automotive Trade Report calculates that delays to production caused by friction at the border could add up to £50,000 a minute for the sector.
Michelin Fleet Panel pushes for clarity on company car tax
Members of the Michelin Fleet Panel have requested Transport Select Committee member and MP for Stoke-On-Trent South, Jack Brereton, to seek clarity from the government on tax changes in preparation for the introduction of the Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) from April 2020.
Tyre aging law could take effect in 2020
The UK government is consulting on plans to ban old tyres for buses, coaches, lorries and minibuses and a new law could be introduced this year and come into force early 2020. Tyres aged 10 years and older would be banned from use on buses, coaches, lorries and minibuses under the new proposals. However, further clarity about precisely what the new rules will cover is needed.
Two-thirds of drivers think new legislation needed after cyclist growth
A survey of more than 2,000 UK drivers, which was commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) insurance for new and second-hand cars, finds that over two-thirds (69 per cent) want new legislation for cyclists including bikes having a registration number to make them identifiable (68 per cent), and more than half (53 per cent) saying cyclists should be required to hold a licence.