News


Fire service called to ‘large-scale’ fire at recycling plant 18/09/2020 Fire and rescue services in Shropshire spent the day tackling a large-scale fire at a landfill site in Telford.
Police forces crackdown on professional drivers 16/09/2020 Police forces across the UK are out in force this week targeting those who drive for work as part of Project Edward, the nationwide road safety campaign.
SFS hosts socially distanced Low Carbon Emissions Vehicles event 16/09/2020 A socially distanced Low Carbon Emissions Vehicle demonstration event hosted by Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) last month provided a unique opportunity to present the latest fleet technologies to council representatives.
Council deploys Videalert electric mobile enforcement vehicle 15/09/2020 Bath and North East Somerset Council is extending its Videalert CCTV enforcement platform by deploying a new electric mobile enforcement vehicle (MEV).
Government announces life sentences for ‘killer drivers’ 14/09/2020 The Government has announced that legislation to introduce life sentences for drivers who kill somebody will be introduced to Parliament next year.
New problem-solving factsheets for FORS fleets launched 14/09/2020 A new series of problem-solving factsheets for companies taking part in the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has been launched by FleetCheck.
Highways England to invest £9m in EV ‘try before you buy’ scheme 09/09/2020 Highways England has announced that it is investing over £9m in a local government electric vehicle (EV) ‘try before you buy’ scheme as part of World EV day.
Appreciation campaign for waste crews launched in Kent 09/09/2020 A new campaign has been launched to show appreciation for waste, recycling and street cleaning teams across Kent.
Aberdeen City Council opt for Wheely-Safe to protect their HGV fleet 07/09/2020 Aberdeen City Council is fitting the latest generation Wheely-Safe intelligent Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) across its entire HGV fleet.
ULEMCo and Glasgow council to undertake ‘largest single deployment’ of hydrogen vehicles 07/09/2020 Glasgow City Council and ULEMCo has commenced the largest single deployment of hydrogen dual fuel vehicles in the company’s history.
Over 500 new chargers per day needed to achieve zero emission car market 07/09/2020 A new survey has revealed that despite the billions that have been invested in the development of electric vehicles (EVs), UK buyers are still reluctant to buy them and hundreds more charge points are needed.
Council chiefs announce net zero innovation programme 02/09/2020 Councils and universities can apply for a new Net Zero Innovation Programme to address climate challenges at a local level, the Local Government Association (LGA) and UCL announce today.
RHA promotes careers in logistics ahead of National Lorry Week campaign 01/09/2020 The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has announced the launch of this year’s National Lorry Week campaign.
Exol adds four Scania trucks to its ‘ever-growing’ fleet 01/09/2020 Exol Lubricants have added a further four Scania trucks to its fleet in order to better meet ongoing customer demand.
Council chiefs urge courier services to swap vans for cargo bikes 27/08/2020 Delivery companies should consider switching to cargo bike schemes where possible to cut carbon emissions, improve air quality and reduce congestion, local authority leaders say.
Smarter Grid Solutions zero carbon energy management platform goes live in Thames Valley 26/08/2020 The first phase of a project being delivered by Smarter Grid Solutions (SGS), the Glasgow-based energy software specialist, and involving technology giants O2 and Siemens, has gone live.
Teletrac Navman releases ‘next generation’ TN360 25/08/2020 Teletrac Navman yesterday announced the release of its next generation solution TN360.
New A25Gs for Ken Pink Plant Hire 25/08/2020 Ken Pink Plant Hire Ltd of Staverton, Gloucestershire, has purchased two more Volvo A25G articulated haulers for its multi-faceted plant hire fleet.
telent reappoints TMC to manage their mileage capture and audit 25/08/2020 telent, a leading technology company providing solutions and services for mission-critical communication networks in the UK and Ireland, have reappointed TMC to manage their mileage capture and audit.
RVS and EMOSS join forces to re-power electric refuse vehicles 19/08/2020 Refuse Vehicle Solutions Ltd (RVS) has signed an exclusive deal with Dutch electric powertrain developers EMOSS to repower refuse vehicles in the UK with an electric powertrain.
LEVC more than doubles its service and maintenance network 19/08/2020 LEVC (London Electric Vehicle Company) has significantly grown its authorised service and maintenance network by signing a partnership with one of the UK’s largest end-to-end fleet management companies, Rivus Fleet Solutions.
New Multihog ‘transforms’ council’s street services 18/08/2020 Derby City Council’s new Multihog machine has helped to transform the Streetpride division’s way of repairing roads and other related services using just one vehicle.
HGV market experiences ‘sharp decrease’ 18/08/2020 The UK’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market shrank by -73.4% in the second quarter of the financial year, new data reveals.
Operators at risk from Direct Vision Standard ‘confusion’ 17/08/2020 The confusion surrounding Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) legislation is putting operators at risk, claims a leading road safety expert.
Britishvolt appoints new Project Director for Britain’s first battery gigaplant 13/08/2020 Battery technology specialists Britishvolt has announced the appointment of Ray Macera as Project Director for the construction and implementation of Britain’s first battery gigaplant.
Access Hire Nationwide adds 25 new Versalift platforms to its fleet 12/08/2020 Access Hire Nationwide is growing its specialist vehicle mounted access fleet with the addition of 25 VTL135-F platforms mounted on the 3.5 tonne Iveco Daily 35S.
New scheme to recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries launched 12/08/2020 The recycling and sustainability company, First Mile, has introduced a new scheme to recycle rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIB), commonly found in electric scooters, bikes, cars and vans.
Number of public charging devices increases five-fold, Government reveals 11/08/2020 The number of public charging devices has increased five-fold over the last half a decade, according to the latest Government figures.
East Suffolk Council introduces six ‘carbon-emission free vehicles’ to fleet 11/08/2020 East Suffolk Council is taking steps to reduce its carbon emissions by introducing six new electric vehicles to its fleet run by partners, East Suffolk Norse.
FORS launches new tachograph analysis software 11/08/2020 FORS has announced it is launching new tachograph analysis software designed to help ensure accurate and streamlined driver and vehicle data reporting.
Applications for the Design in the Public Sector programme now open 11/08/2020 Local authorities in England are now able to apply to take part in the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Design in the Public Sector programme to learn more about transport decarbonisation.
BMW launches ‘world-first’ eDrive Zones in the UK 10/08/2020 BMW has launched a new digital service that automates the process of switching to electric-only power when a BMW plug-in hybrid vehicle enters a low emission zone in London and Birmingham.
Birmingham council to roll out rapid charging network for electric vehicles 10/08/2020 Birmingham City Council has announced it will start the roll-out of 100% renewable energy electric vehicle charge points across the city from Autumn 2020.
Mercedes-Benz Vans lends its support as London Ambulance chiefs take action to contain pandemic 10/08/2020 Mercedes-Benz loaned seven of its vans to the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust to help support the trust during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Investment company announces £50m agreement to buy over 100 EV charging stations 06/08/2020 SDCL Energy Efficiency Income Trust plc (SEEIT) has announced that it has entered into an agreement with Electric Vehicle Network Limited (EVN) to acquire 112 rapid and ultra-fast EV charging stations across the UK for £50m.
LCV registrations on the rise after months of double-digit decline 06/08/2020 UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations grow by 7.1% in July following four months of double-digit declines, new figures reveal.
FORS launches training package to tackle driver fatigue 04/08/2020 The accreditation scheme FORS has launched a new training package designed to help fleet managers better manage driver fatigue.
UK ranked ninth on ‘autonomous vehicle readiness’ index 03/08/2020 The UK has been ranked ninth out of 30 countries in a study which assesses ‘autonomous vehicle readiness’.
New call for London’s fleets to turn engines off when parked 03/08/2020 A London-wide campaign has been launched today encouraging businesses to tackle air pollution caused by idling engines.
Biffa cuts £200,000 per year from transmission servicing costs 30/07/2020 Biffa’s UK fleet cuts £200,000 per year from transmission servicing costs with Allison Transmission’s help.
BVRLA warns against ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to fleet decarbonisation 30/07/2020 Setting a single date for ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles would be a mistake, the BVRLA has said.
Taunton confirmed as site for DC Share project trial 30/07/2020 Taunton, Somerset, has been confirmed as the site for a trial of new DC technology which could help deliver an estimated 217,000 electric vehicle (EV) chargers in urban spaces.
VALE Engineering launches new website 29/07/2020 VALE Engineering Ltd, the UK manufacturer of professional weed control, turf care and winter maintenance equipment, has launched a new website combining all the company’s brands for the very first time.
‘Smart ant’ algorithms cut vehicle fleet emissions in half 29/07/2020 Fleets of commercial vehicles that operate in large towns and cities could halve their emissions and better meet clean air targets using a new technology that imitates how ants share knowledge.
Go Ahead London replaces wing mirrors with cameras 29/07/2020 Go Ahead, London’s largest operator, has replaced the wing mirrors of 100 vehicles with cameras to help reduce accidents.
Manufacturer announces collaboration to build UK’s first large-scale battery gigaplant 29/07/2020 The manufacturer Britishvolt today announced a collaboration with the Italian design house Pininfarina to build the UK’s first large-scale battery gigaplant at a former RAF base in Bro Tathan, Wales.
One in three new cars sold globally to be electric by 2030 28/07/2020 A third of all new car sales worldwide will be electric by the end of the decade, according to Deloitte.
e-Highways could ‘almost completely decarbonise UK road freight’, study says 27/07/2020 The UK could dramatically reduce carbon dioxide emissions from road freight by installing overhead charging cables for electric lorries on e-Highways, a new white paper says.
Go Plant Fleet Services awarded Ealing council maintenance contract 27/07/2020 Go Plant Fleet Services has been awarded the contract to provide maintenance provision to the London Borough of Ealing via their local authority trading company, Greener Ealing Limited.
Oldham housing association takes delivery of ‘environmentally friendlier’ vans 27/07/2020 A housing association in Oldham is celebrating the arrival of brand new ‘environmentally friendlier’ vans provided by its vehicle partner, Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS).
Kirklees Council invests in vehicle safety technology 23/07/2020 Kirklees Council is equipping its new waste and recycling fleet with the latest vehicle safety technology.
Multevo launches new Multihog CV Sweeper 23/07/2020 Multevo have launched their new Multihog CV Sweeper to the UK market which they say offers comfort, efficiency and ‘unmatched versatility’.
New transport model designed to anticipate EV uptake unveiled 22/07/2020 A new transport model designed to anticipate and map electric vehicle (EV) uptake across Cheshire, Merseyside, North Shropshire, and North and Mid-Wales has been unveiled by electricity distributor SP Energy Networks.
SWARCO plans for five more EV charging points on its E.Connect Network 22/07/2020 SWARCO eVolt is set to add five more electric vehicle charging points on its E.Connect network at key locations across Basildon and Rochford to support the uptake of electric vehicles by local taxi fleets.
Councils could 'save millions' with help of electric charger surgeries, company claims 22/07/2020 UK Power Networks says that local authorities could collectively save millions if they use the electricity company’s free advice surgeries when installing electric vehicle chargers.
Covid-19: Fleet managers warned of increase in drug-driving 21/07/2020 Fleet managers have been warned about an increased risk of drug-driving as furloughed workers return from work.
Europcar introduces enhanced ‘deliver & collect’ service in response to Covid-19 21/07/2020 Europcar Mobility Group UK has enhanced their ‘Deliver & Collect’ service in response to changes in consumer behaviour brought on by Covid-19.
Virtual power plant pioneers appointed APSE approved partner 21/07/2020 Pioneering energy storage and battery company AceOn has been appointed an approved partner by APSE Energy – part of the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).
ODS trials new electric refuse collection vehicle in Oxford 20/07/2020 The first purpose built, fully integrated electric refuse collection vehicle built by an original equipment manufacturer in the UK will be undergoing trials in Oxford this week.
Wales moves closer to hosting UK’s first battery gigaplant 20/07/2020 The UK’s first battery gigaplant moves a step closer as manufacturer Britishvolt and the Welsh government sign a landmark memorandum of understanding.
Government bans old lorry tyres from roads 16/07/2020 The Government has banned old coach, bus and lorry tyres from roads in new measures to improve road safety.
Shapps: ‘This generation will drive the transition to zero carbon road transport’ 16/07/2020 The transport secretary, Grant Shapps, has said that the Covid-19 pandemic has given us a unique opportunity to rethink the way we travel and to accelerate the development of clean technologies.
Mayor calls for establishment of hydrogen transport centre in Teesside 16/07/2020 Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen has called on the Government to establish a National Hydrogen Transport Centre in Teesside.
Warrington buses first to install air cleaning devices 16/07/2020 Warrington’s Own Buses has become the first bus company in the world to install air cleaning devices across its entire operational bus fleet to protect its drivers from Covid-19.
Major businesses call for all car and van sales to be electric by 2030 15/07/2020 A coalition of major businesses has called for all new car and van sales to be fully electric by 2030.
Mitie launches service to share electric vehicle expertise 15/07/2020 The facilities?management?and?professional services?company Mitie has launched a new service to share its electric vehicle expertise with fleet operators looking to switch to electric vehicles.
Waste collections ‘return to normal’ 15/07/2020 The majority of local authorities are now reporting that they have returned to normal operations of residual waste collections despite the continuing impact of Covid-19.
Only 30% of LGV drivers feel valued, new research reveals 14/07/2020 Logistics experts Talent in Logistics have warned that there are ‘testing times ahead’ for the logistics sector as their research reveals a demoralised LGV workforce.
Electric vehicles will not solve 'transport carbon problem' 10/07/2020 The uptake of electric vehicles will not be enough to counter-balance the extra emissions caused by the Government's road building programme, a report has warned.
Winning bids revealed for ADEPT Live Labs SIMULATE programme 09/07/2020 The Government-funded ADEPT Smart Places Live-Lab programme has announced the 10 successful SMEs that will enter the SIMULATE incubator programme to trial air quality and mobility solutions in Staffordshire.
New project to prepare motorways for self-driving vehicles 08/07/2020 A new £1m project to prepare motorways for self-driving vehicles has been launched by Loughborough University and Highways England.
New charges for drivers could pay for sustainable transport, report argues 07/07/2020 Campaigners have called on ministers to accelerate the shift to sustainable transport by introducing new charges for drivers and improving public transport, walking and cycling.
Work begins on Exeter’s first solar farm and storage project 06/07/2020 Work has started to create Exeter’s first solar farm and battery storage project.
Council plans alternative fuel depot 01/07/2020 Bradford Council has proposed developing a new Alternative Fuel Centre to reduce the emissions of green house gases produced by its Heavy Good Vehicle (HGV) fleet.
Trials of e-scooter rentals to be fast-tracked from this weekend 01/07/2020 Local authorities will start hosting the trial of rental e-scooters from this weekend to help ease the burden on public transport as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Mandatory MOT testing to be reintroduced 29/06/2020 Mandatory MOT testing is to be reintroduced from 1 August 2020 as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.
Public sector fleet provider becomes employee-owned 26/06/2020 Knowles Associates, transport management and car benefits provider, has become employee-owned in a move that is thought to be a first for the industry.
Conwy becomes first Welsh council to switch to electric mowers 25/06/2020 Conwy County Borough Council has become the first council in Wales to upgrade their grass cutting fleet with electric mowers.
Renewable gas could deliver 52% fuel cost savings, says trade body 23/06/2020 Switching from diesel to renewable biomethane gas could save fleet operators around 52% a year, according to the Gas Vehicle Network.
Fleet sector can support post-pandemic economic ‘rebound’, report says 19/06/2020 The vehicle rental, leasing and fleet sector can work with policymakers to deliver a swift rebound in the economy and a faster trajectory towards transport decarbonisation, new report says.
Leeds City Council purchases over 120 all-electric vans 18/06/2020 Leeds City Council has taken delivery of 122 Renault Kangoo Z.E.33 compact vans, some of which will be available to local businesses through the council’s EV trial scheme.
Electric cars becoming ‘attractive business proposition’ 18/06/2020 Electric cars are becoming an attractive business proposition for high-mileage vehicle operators like Uber in key EU capitals, a new study reveals.
EV experts join forces to cut costs and emissions 18/06/2020 Electric vehicle (EV) optimisation experts The Algorithm People have signed a partnership agreement with Elmtronics to help vehicle operators reduce costs and cut carbon emissions.
Online tyre bargains are anything but, warn fleet experts 17/06/2020 Fleet managers have been warned not to buy ‘bargain’ tyres online because they can cost more in the long-term.
FORS restarts on-site audits after Covid-19 pause 15/06/2020 The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) has announced that it will resume on-site Bronze auditing for members based in England, following a break in light of Covid-19 restrictions.
CTS Hire expands fleet for low emission zones 15/06/2020 Since the start of 2020 municipal vehicle hire company CTS Hire has continually invested in brand-new ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) compliant refuse vehicles that also meet with the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS) due to be introduced in October this year.
Fleet managers told to take zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug drivers 11/06/2020 Fleet managers should take a zero-tolerance approach to tackle drink and drug-driving, says new guidance from Global Fleet Champions campaign.
Warrington bids to become UK's first all-electric bus town 11/06/2020 Warrington Borough Council has applied to become the UK’s first all-electric bus town.
Councils get new powers to tackle misuse of cycle lanes 10/06/2020 Local authorities will be given the power to use CCTV to fine drivers who misuse mandatory cycle lanes, the Government has announced.
Council secures permission for hydrogen refuelling compound 05/06/2020 Cheshire East Council has secured planning permission to build a £1m green hydrogen refuelling compound.
Council to replace half its bin lorries with electric vehicles 03/06/2020 Manchester City Council has agreed to replace half its diesel bin lorries with new electric vehicles.
Local authorities secure £2m ecargo bike fund 28/05/2020 A £2m eCargo Bike Grant Fund from the has been shared by 18 local authorities across England.
DfT backtracks on 5-year guarantee in new street works code 26/05/2020 The Government has published a new version of the statutory code of practice for street works, and quietly backtracked on initial plans to increase the guarantee on road openings from two to five years.
A third of fleet managers set to electrify UK fleets 22/05/2020 One in three UK fleet managers expect half of their company car fleet to be electric by 2025, a new survey has revealed.
Data reveals increased levels of speeding amongst fleet drivers 21/05/2020 Fleet drivers have been more likely to speed during the coronavirus crisis, new data has revealed.
Council mows grass in two metre 'channels' to promote social distancing 14/05/2020 Birmingham City Council has come up with an unusual way to remind people to obey social distancing rules, by mowing two metre strips into its parks and green spaces.
Post-crash advice published for fleet managers 12/05/2020 New guidance to help fleet managers deal effectively with a fatal or serious road crash has been published.
Government announces £250m emergency active travel fund 11/05/2020 The Government has announced the largest ever funding boost to create a ‘new era’ for cycling and walking.
Councils use digital screens on refuse vehicles to share key messages 06/05/2020 Urbaser has been utilising digital display screens installed on the sides on its refuse collection vehicles to share key messages across the London Borough of Waltham Forest and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council.
Councils signs new five-year fleet contract 05/05/2020 Runnymede Borough Council has announced the award of a five-year contract to maintain its fleet of over 80 vehicles to Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS).