Government accelerates pothole mapping project
The UK government has launched an audit into the mapping of potholes in England. Aided by data from on-road businesses such as Uber, Deliveroo and Tesco in addition to local highway authorities and highway data and mapping company Gaist, the Department for Transport will identify ‘pothole hot-spots. The scheme intends to better target road improvements as people return to work and school. According to the most recent research published by Kwik-Fit on the subject, potholes caused £1.25 billion of damage to vehicles in 2019, with the average bill for affected motorists £115. Potholes damage most frequently afflicts tyres, wheels, suspension, and steering.
Continue ReadingNBRA calls for Job Retention Scheme extensions
The National Body Repair Association, the trade association for the UK’s vehicle body repair shops, calls on the government to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). Despite bodyshops being permitted to remain open during the lockdown, as they provided an essential service, the 80 per cent reduction in accident repair claims meant almost all had to close and place their staff on furlough.
Continue ReadingUK government announces Automated Lane Keeping System call for evidence
The UK is taking steps forward in automated technology in vehicles with the launch of a call for evidence on 18 August 2020 to help shape how innovative new systems could be used in future on GB roads. The call for evidence will look at the Automated Lane Keeping System (ALKS) – an automated system that can take over control of the vehicle at low speeds, keeping it in lane on motorways.
Continue ReadingTyre recycling and energy generation – why the time is now
Early in 2020 the UK government suggested a tentative plan to ban the export of all end of life tyres (ELTs). The timing was unfortunate, with the challenges of the rest of 2020 becoming increasingly apparent at the start of spring. However, with strict recycling, energy from waste, and environmental targets to meet over the next twenty years or so, many companies are pressing ahead in raising awareness and innovating within the broad recycling sector. ELTs represent a particularly important part of the new era in recycling introduced by the UK’s Environment Bill, not least because of new and incoming measures internal and external against used and end of life tyre exports, a popular, yet often damaging solution to the problem. Rory Hughes, technical director at IRR Waste 2 Energy, and a waste and recycling expert with more than 35 experience in the industry, told Tyrepress why adopting a more holistic approach to tyre recycling is the way forward.
Continue Reading‘Suspend apprentice levy contributions’ IMI urges Government
Virtually every day reveals some new effect of COVID-19 on everyday life and on the automotive and associated industries. The latest gloomy news comes from the Department for Education, which has focussed the spotlight on the impact of the pandemic on apprentice recruitment. And the automotive sector appears to be one of the hardest hit. Across all sectors, apprenticeship starts in June 2020 fell by 57 per cent, compared to the same time period in 2019.
Continue ReadingNFDA calls for government support on combustion ban
In its response to the consultation on ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans, the National Franchised Dealers Association has highlighted dealers’ concerns and provided the Government with detailed recommendations to ensure that the transition to zero-emission vehicles can be sustained. The Government has proposed that the original 2040 date be brought forward to 2035 or perhaps earlier, yet no clear strategy has been defined.
Continue ReadingPRA outlines forecourts’ concerns with combustion engine ban
Ending the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 or earlier would not only be unfeasible but seriously economically damaging, particularly at a time when the economy is struggling to recover from the Coronavirus lockdown. The original date of 2040 is already a very tough ask”, said Brian Madderson, chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).
Continue ReadingOld tyre ban could result in better part worn regulation – TyreSafe
TyreSafe has welcomed the outcomes and initiatives of the “Government response to the consultation to ban tyres aged 10 years or older”. The Department for Transport’s (DfT) response includes legislation banning the fitment of tyres over 10 years of age to the front wheels of lorries, buses and coaches. The ban also extends to all wheels of minibuses unless they have a ‘twin axle’, which means they would have two wheels on each side at the rear.
Continue ReadingBTMA: Tyre ageing issue needed clarity
The British Tyre Manufacturers Association (BTMA) has welcomed government’s decision to ban 10 year old front axle truck and bus tyres, particularly because it sheds light on the issue of tyre ageing.
Continue ReadingNTDA celebrates old tyre ban victory
The National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) welcomed the news that 10-year-old truck and bus tyres will be banned. Speaking personally and on behalf of the association, chief executive Stefan Hay said:
Continue ReadingTyred welcomes 10-year old tyre ban, but warns of twin configuration loophole
Following the announcement that tyres aged 10 years and older will be banned from lorries, buses and coaches on roads in England, Scotland and Wales, campaign group Tyred – which led efforts to achieve a ban – has welcomed the news as “a positive step forward”. However, the group also warned of twin tyre fitment configuration loophole.
Continue ReadingGovernment bans fitment of 10 years and older truck and bus tyres
Tyres aged 10 years and older will be banned from lorries, buses and coaches on roads in England, Scotland and Wales in a boost to road safety, Roads Minister Baroness Vere announced today (Wednesday 15 July). The news follows extensive campaigning from the Tyred group as well as industry associations, which resulted in a government consultation last year.
Continue ReadingGovernment urged to advance petrol and diesel ban
The Committee on Climate Change has advised the government to bring forward its ban on petrol and diesel vehicles to 2032. The government is working to a provisional date of 2035 to ban the sale of all vehicles that aren’t zero-emission, but the committee’s progress report is now suggesting that target is too late. However, the BVRLA is not sure if that is a realistic target.
Continue ReadingEnd of MOT extension ‘will make the roads safer’ – IAAF
The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) welcomed the end of the MOT extension period on 1 August. The federation argues that the move will not only significantly increase road safety but will give a much-needed boost to the automotive sector overall.
Continue ReadingIMI welcomes reintroduction of mandatory MOT testing from 1 August
Steve Nash, CEO of The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has welcomed the return of mandatory MOT testing from 1 August. “The exemption from mandatory MOT testing announced at the end of March made sense at that time. But our sector moved very quickly to ensure it could work safely and support motorists during the lockdown,” he said.
Continue Reading