News


New technology could save fleet managers 14 hours a week, study finds 08/04/2020 Fleet managers could save nearly two days a week by adopting technology that helps them automate tasks, a new study has revealed.
Most councils still providing normal waste collections, survey reveals 06/04/2020 The majority of councils have been able to provide a normal waste and recycling collection service, a new survey has revealed.
Unattended vehicles at risk of theft or damage during lockdown 03/04/2020 A large number of unattended vans and cars could be at risk from theft and vandalism during the coronavirus crisis, an association has warned.
Councils urged to provide data on waste services during Covid-19 01/04/2020 Local authorities have been urged to provide regular information on the impact Covid-19 is having on waste services.
Pandemic forces Birmingham to delay launch of Clean Air Zone 25/03/2020 Birmingham City Council has written to the Government requesting postponement to the launch of its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) to help protect the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.
Union questions how refuse workers can practice social distancing within an RCV cab 24/03/2020 A union has called on local government employers to spell out how refuse service workers can safely provide an essential service while meeting social distancing requirements.
Local roads backlog exceeds £11bn, survey warns 24/03/2020 The average local authority is facing a shortfall of £4.9m to repair and maintain local roads, new research has shown.
MOTS for heavy goods vehicles suspended in response to coronavirus outbreak 24/03/2020 The Government has suspended MOTs for all heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and public service vehicles (PSVs) for up to three months as part of the effort to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.
Vehicle rental supports ‘essential services’ during Covid-19 crisis 24/03/2020 Vehicle rental branches are providing cars, vans, minibuses and trucks to ensure that key workers are mobile and essential services are maintained during this difficult time, says rental and leasing body.
New guide highlights low carbon and sustainable fuel opportunities for fleet decarbonisation 23/03/2020 A new guide from the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) for fleet operators shows how renewable fuels can immediately cut greenhouse gas emissions in road transport, particularly from commercial vehicles for which few low emission solutions are currently available.
FORS suspends audits due to coronavirus outbreak 20/03/2020 FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme – has announced that all Bronze site audit activity will be suspended from Monday 23 March 2020 until further notice.
Waste operators call for ‘performance penalty’ relief to keep services running 20/03/2020 Waste operators have asked to be excused from performance penalties from the councils they have contracts with as part of the effort to keep services running during the pandemic.
Ubeeqo adds Hyundai Ioniq hybrid to fleet 12/03/2020 Ubeeqo, Europcar Mobility Group’s car sharing brand, is extending its choice of low emission vehicles with the introduction of the Hyundai Ioniq hybrid to its UK fleet, responding to market demand as the number of UK members more than doubled year on year in 2019.
England’s top recycler praises 100% Dennis Eagle & Terberg fleet 12/03/2020 England’s official number one local authority for recycling has been named as East Riding of Yorkshire for the third year running. And the council has praised the role Dennis Eagle & Terberg Matec play in its outstanding operations.
Fleet sector welcomes electric vehicle grants 11/03/2020 Fleet sector representatives have welcomed the range of electric vehicle grants and tax incentives announced by the chancellor in today’s budget.
First electric forecourt in a £1bn network to open this summer 11/03/2020 The first electric charging forecourt in a network of 100 similar sites is set to open this summer with the support of Braintree Council and Essex Council.
Scottish council purchases 11 more Mercedes-Benz RCVs 26/02/2020 Fife Council has purchased 11 more Mercedes-Benz refuse collection vehicles (RCV).
Preventative fleet maintenance essential to avoiding ‘tragic consequences’ 26/02/2020 A new report has outlined the essential vehicle checking and maintenance procedures required for avoiding costly insurance claims and ‘tragic consequences’.
Hills Waste Solutions adds four RCVs to its fleet 26/02/2020 Waste management and recycling specialist, Hills Waste Solutions, has added four new refuse collection vehicles (RCV) to its 60 strong commercial fleet.
BCA reports ‘exceptionally strong’ January for LCV sales 25/02/2020 The average values for used light commercial vehicles (LCV) rose across the board during January, the BCA has reported.
Newcastle City Council renews like-for-like Swingo fleet 25/02/2020 Newcastle City Council has carried out a fleet renewal programme for its fleet of Swingos, replacing 11 five-year-old models with 11 new examples of the compact sweeper.
Peterborough recycling centre cuts fly-tipping by 25% 25/02/2020 Peterborough’s new recycling centre is celebrating a successful first year which has seen fly-tipping decrease by a quarter.
Men and women wanted for National Refuse Championships 2020 24/02/2020 Organisers of the most popular event on the waste and recycling calendar have called for people working in the sector to sign up and get involved.
Smart software to ‘simplify’ fleet management released 24/02/2020 Freeway Fleet Systems has developed smart software that simplifies fleet management by predicting the type and quantity of parts needed to maintain a fleet.
FORS freezes fees for fifth year running 20/02/2020 The accreditation scheme for fleet operators has confirmed there will be no increase to its membership subscription or audit fees during 2020.
Liverpool council invests £3.4m in ‘biggest eco-friendly’ refuse fleet 20/02/2020 Liverpool City Council has announced it is launching the UK’s biggest eco-friendly fleet of refuse vehicles.
Borough sees household waste recycling exceed 50% for ‘first time’ in its history 17/02/2020 The amount of household waste being recycled by residents of Tonbridge and Malling has exceeded 50% for the first time in the borough’s history thanks to Urbaser’s new recycling service.
Fleet services provider takes delivery of new sweeper 17/02/2020 Go Plant Fleet Services has just taken delivery of a new MAN TGM Sweeper – the first to join its 500 strong sweeper fleet.
Call for councils to provide information on projects that will affect ‘future energy pathways’ 13/02/2020 Northern Powergrid have called on local authorities to provide feedback on their annual outline of ‘potential future energy pathways’.
Cardiff sees rapid EV charging network roll out 13/02/2020 Engenie has installed its first two rapid EV charge points in Cardiff city centre as part of a wider rollout that will more than double the number of rapid chargers in the city.
Vehicle remarketing companies face ‘charging crisis’ due to electric vehicles 12/02/2020 A potential ‘charging crisis’ could soon emerge among vehicle remarketing companies as electric vehicles start to make their way onto the used market in larger numbers, the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) warns.
Fleet sector ‘must act’ to safeguard plug-in van grant, trade body says 11/02/2020 The fleet sector must act now to safeguard the Plug-in Car and Van Grants, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) says.
Hire company experiences over 50% reduction in risk thanks to telematics solution 11/02/2020 A tool hire company has experienced a 56% reduction in overall risk year-over-year thanks to Lytx video telematics and analytics solutions which have helped improve driver performance.
Plans outlined for Britain’s first all-electric bus town 06/02/2020 One local authority is set to receive £50m to become Britain’s first all-electric bus town.
Birmingham City Council considers ‘overhaul’ of rubbish collection service 05/02/2020 A review of the city council’s waste management service has warned that the local authority’s older vehicles are likely to result in higher fuel consumption, greater emissions and increases in maintenance costs.
Nationwide survey launched to help tackle LGV driver shortage 05/02/2020 A survey of LGV drivers has been launched today as part of a drive to tackle the skills shortage in the transport and logistics sector.
Northern Powergrid launches innovative tool to accelerate EV uptake 05/02/2020 Northern Powergrid has launched a free, online tool set to revolutionise its electric vehicle (EV) connections process.
ISS praised for ‘robust, cost effective’ anti-roll away solution 05/02/2020 ISS has launched its latest vehicle safety innovation, IDClear, to prevent vehicles from rolling-away or being stolen when standing idle during operations.
Trade body calls for investment in hydrogen to 'broaden choice' in green vehicles 04/02/2020 A national trade body is calling on the Government to invest in the UK’s gas refuelling infrastructure, to broaden customer access to hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles.
Grist Environmental turns to JCB for new wheeled excavator 03/02/2020 The waste recycling business has taken delivery of a JCB JS200W wheeled excavator to work on its waste transfer site in Devizes, Wiltshire.
Egbert Taylor appoints former Dennis Eagle CEO as chairman 03/02/2020 Worcester container manufacturer, Egbert Taylor, has appointed longstanding waste industry specialist and former Dennis Eagle CEO, Mike Molesworth, as chairman.
Leeds City Council buys library buses to encourage kids to read 31/01/2020 Leeds City Council has added two new library buses to its fleet in an effort to encourage a love of books and reading from an early age.
Announcing the Future Fleet Awards 2020 winners 31/01/2020 The annual Future Fleet Forum has been and gone and it was, I think everyone will agree, a triumph.
Bin weighing system receives ‘EU-type approval’ 30/01/2020 Vehicle Weighing Solutions Ltd (VWS) has received EU-type approval for its market leading ENVIROWEIGH bin-weighing system.
Plant services provider commissions first Mercedes-Benz Econic skiploader 28/01/2020 Glencoe Plant Services has commissioned their first Mercedes-Benz Econic skiploader in a bid to ‘increase efficiency’ when collecting construction waste material.
Somerset building supplier scoops up seven new ‘robust’ Isuzu Grafters 27/01/2020 CRS Building Supplies has replaced 50% of its truck fleet with the addition of seven new Isuzu Grafter N35.125 tippers.
Electric refuse vehicles could cut pollution and costs, report says 27/01/2020 A Bristol-based environmental consultancy has called for the roll out of electric refuse vehicles to help cut air pollution and local authority costs.
West Yorkshire council launches EV trial scheme 24/01/2020 Leeds City Council has launched a new scheme giving businesses, organisations and charities in West Yorkshire the opportunity to drive electric vans free of charge for up to two months.
Whitehall announces £3.4m investment in wireless charging tech 17/01/2020 The Government has announced that it is investing £3.4m in wireless charging technology trials at taxi ranks in Nottingham.
Taskforce says EV revolution ‘can be boon’ to energy system 16/01/2020 A Government-backed taskforce has concluded that an effectively managed integration of electric vehicles with the energy system can ‘significantly improve’ electricity network efficiency.
Volvo launches new 90-tonne excavator 16/01/2020 Volvo Construction Equipment has announced that it is launching a 90-tonne excavator fitted with a Stage V engine.
Plant hire company purchases first Doosan wheel loader 16/01/2020 The plant hire company DCV Engineering Ltd has purchased the first Doosan wheel loader for its extensive rental fleet.
Islington Council launches electric vehicle charging partnership 16/01/2020 The first stage of an electric vehicle charging partnership with Islington Council was launched yesterday as part of the north London borough’s push to reduce harmful air pollution.
Theft costs fleet-based businesses over £16,000 a year 15/01/2020 Stolen vehicles and equipment costs fleet-based businesses an average of more than £16,000 each year, according to new research.
UK’s first Bobcat ‘Waste Expert’ telescopic loader operating in Sheffield 15/01/2020 The UK’s first Bobcat ‘Waste Expert’ telescopic loader has been purchased by H.R. Skip Hire.
Study reveals insights into the next generation of charging technologies 13/01/2020 The next generation of charging technologies is set to be dominated by fast-charging, vehicle-to-home, and vehicle-to-grid models, a new study argues.
Hitachi adopts 'easy' system for verifying a machine’s emissions category 10/01/2020 Hitachi has announced that it is adopting a new initiative which will enable the ‘quick and easy’ verification of a machine’s emissions category.
Briggs Equipment kicks off new year with £6.1m fleet investment 10/01/2020 Briggs Equipment has kicked off 2020 with a £6.1m investment into its short term hire fleet, which now stands at 5,500 vehicles.
Rivus workshops ‘crucial’ for Europcar customers 07/01/2020 Europcar Van customers have made the most out of the bespoke Service, Maintenance and Repair (SMR) service delivered by Rivus Fleet Solutions, new data reveals.
Geesinknorba wins majorcontract with Dacorum Borough Council 16/12/2019
Seeking the fleet champions of the future 11/12/2019 Fleet management organisations can submit a case study to win one of the highly-desired Future Fleet Awards until December 20.
Coventry opts for more Merc-Dennis-Terberg RCVs 02/12/2019 Coventry City Council has adopted a combination of a Mercedes-Benz Econic chassis, Dennis Eagle Olympus body and Terberg bin lifts for its new fleet.
FORS help with air quality targets 02/12/2019 S has created an animation and infographic to showcase how the scheme helps local authorities meet air quality targets.
Roar Techmedia purchases RWM from the Prysm Group 02/12/2019 Roar Techmedia, the trade exhibitions organiser, has secured a significant investment from Apiary Capital to fund the acquisition of a portfolio of leading events from Prysm Media Group, including the Recycling and Waste Management exhibition.
Astra gets attached to Isuzu for the first time 28/11/2019 Astra Attachment Solutions, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of hydraulic excavator attachments, have recently taken delivery of 16 new Isuzu rigid trucks as part of a significant fleet replacement programme at the national company.
Geesinknorba appoints a new agent in Northern Ireland 28/11/2019 Refuse collection vehicle manufacturer Geesinknorba has appointed MacPac Refuse Bodies as its agent for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Mercedes-Benz Arocs spreaders ready for winter in Lincolnshire 26/11/2019 Lincolnshire County Council has chosen Mercedes-Benz Arocs to clear its roads of snow and ice through the winter. The authority has added these trucks to its fleet in preparation for the onset of the cold season, by taking delivery of four new 26-tonne vehicles from Dealer Intercounty Truck & Van.
Close Brothers Vehicle Hire launches new local authority rental offering 26/11/2019
Aberdeen City Council bags Fleet Operator of the Year Award 26/11/2019 Aberdeen City Council has been awarded Local Authority Fleet Operator of the Year at the Transport News Scottish Rewards held on 9 November 2019 in Glasgow.
OWL Roadshows to spearhead innovation for 2020 26/11/2019 The OWL Roadshow (Optimised Waste & Logistics) has announced its dates for 2020 with a newly revitalised programme that highlights best practice and innovation for public sector fleet and operations managers and its contracting organisations. Plus, after being in high demand by Irish municipal transport operators, OWL is now also launching a Roadshow aimed at the Irish market in Dublin this autumn.
Telescopic van-mounted platform wins HEA-HEMSA Award 14/11/2019 Versalift United Kingdom has won the HEA-HEMSA Product of the Year award for its Versalift Telescopic (VT) range of van-mounted platforms, at the HEA Conference and Exhibition held recently at The Celtic Manor, Newport.
First Bus partners with Yutong and Zenobe Energy in Leeds 14/11/2019 First Bus is partnering with Yutong and Zenobe in an exciting and innovative approach to vehicle electrification. Together they will roll out nine new electric buses, produced by Yutong UK and Pelican Engineering, in Hunslet Park, Leeds in May 2020.
New headquarters for c-trace 11/11/2019 Waste and recycling telematics specialist c-trace has moved into a new, bespoke headquarters – named the Digital Lab in Germany.
Future Fleet Forum announces full programme 11/11/2019 Future Fleet Forum is delighted to announce that Paris Apollon, Chief of Fleet Operations, New York City Parks and Recreation, has agreed to speak at the conference on January 22, at the Guildhall in the City of London.
Norse chooses Dennis Eagle for East Hampshire contract 31/10/2019 Norse Commercial Services has taken delivery of 11 Dennis Eagle RCVs for its domestic refuse collection service in East Hampshire.
Emissions control specialist delivers exhaust after treatment expertise to first New Holland vehicle 31/10/2019 The Low Carbon Tractor project (LoCT) has unveiled the first pre-development of its biomethane-powered tractors, which features emissions technology and expertise from Eminox.
Clearaway acquires new refuse collection vehicle 31/10/2019 Calvin Williams, Director, Clearaway: 'We grew faster than expected over the summer of 2019 and needed another vehicle urgently to meet new demand.'
Manitou takes over majority in its Mawsley dealership 30/10/2019 The Manitou Group, a manufacturer of all-terrain material-handling equipment, has announced the take over of a majority stake in its UK dealer Mawsley Machinery.
Jacob's Vehicle Systems supports Super Truck II Programme 30/10/2019 Jacobs Vehicle Systems, a manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engine retarding systems and valve actuation systems, has released the results of fuel consumption and emission reduction tests with the company’s Cylinder Deactivation (CDA) technology under evaluation with the US Department of Energy’s Super Truck II programme.
Skip hire specialist adds a JCB Loadall to its fleet 28/10/2019 Northern Ireland-based skip hire specialist CM Skips has added a JCB 550-80 Wastemaster Loadall to the fleet of materials handling machinery operating at its site in Randalstown, near Ballymena.
NatWest’s asset finance division Lombard launches instant agreement tool 28/10/2019 NatWest’s asset finance arm, Lombard, has today announced the launch of a new digital service that allows businesses to receive instant agreement to fund assets such as cars, vans, machinery and technology, up to a maximum of £250,000.
Jaama launches vehicle maintenance vehicle maintenance and document exchange solution 28/10/2019 Jaama, a fleet and asset management software solution provider, has launched its new Maintenance Exchange platform.
Future Fleet Forum - registration is now open 24/10/2019 Future Fleet Forum has now opened for registration. The 2020 Forum takes place at Guildhall, in the City of London on 22 January 2020.
Specialist vehicle expert set to increase training team 24/10/2019 In-house experts at Go Plant Fleet Services deliver a range of external training as part of a customer support programme. The scheme sits alongside the company’s unique NVQ assessment centre to form an industry-leading resource geared towards quality, safety and compliance.
Spreader manufacturer invest £1.3 million in Scottish venture 23/10/2019 Econ Engineering has launched a new Scottish company called Econ Scotland. The new company will be servicing spreaders and other vehicles for customers across many of Scotland’s 32 local authorities and private sector highways contractors.
Allet Mowers shows electric range at Saltex 22/10/2019 Allett Mowers is showing its latest electric mowers on its stand K009 at Saltex and in the Eco Village. The Uplift 86E is the new 82V li-ion battery-powered stadium rotary mower, designed for debris collection after matches and built on the experience gained with previous models. It features twin contra-rotating blades for a high lift cut and vacuum for increased efficiency, while a full-width rear roller produces perfect stripes.
Hambledon DC introduces electric vans 21/10/2019 Hambleton District Council in Yorkshire is introducing two new electric vehicles to replace its existing van fleet, to move to a 100% electric fleet in the future.
Robust hardtop for Toyota Hilux pick-up truck 21/10/2019 Truckman has developed the RS-3 for the Toyota Hilux Active, a British-built commercial hardtop which features remote central locking on the side doors and the rear tailgate.
Ringway Jacobs gears up for winter with eight new spreaders 18/10/2019 Ringway Jacobs has taken on a new fleet of new spreaders to keep the roads of Cheshire East clear of ice and snow this winter. The highways service provider turned to Roanza Truck & Van for the eight new vehicles, all of which are based on heavy-duty Arocs chassis with ClassicSpace S-cabs and have Econ Engineering bodywork.
MPS trials hydrogen-powered vehicles 18/10/2019 The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has launched a programme to achieve zero emissions across its fleet by 2050. The Force is now trialling a fleet of hydrogen-powered vehicles as part of this agenda.
Landscaping specialist invests in Hinowa Minidumper 14/10/2019 Northampton-based landscaping company NP Digger and Paving Services has taken delivery of a Hinowa mini dumper. Company owner Neil Prosser says having use of the tracked mini dumper is transforming health and safety and speeding up project delivery.
Humberside FRS takes delivery of the UK's first Scania L-series fire appliance 14/10/2019 Humberside Fire & Rescue Service has become the first UK authority to introduce a new generation Scania L-series fire appliance into service.
County Antrim manufacturer goes for growth with Michelin Development 11/10/2019 Antrim-based refuse collection vehicle manufacturer Macpac is expanding following a £40,000 cash injection from Michelin Development. In the last 12 months, Macpac Refuse Bodies has seen its order book increased by 50 per cent – and is on target to repeat the same double-digit growth over the next year.
Waltham Forest outsources refuse and recycling collections 10/10/2019 Environmental services provider, Urbaser has taken on the contract for Waltham Forest’s refuse and recycling collections on 30 September 2019. The service commenced following the award of a new eight-year contract earlier this year for the provision of neighbourhood services by Waltham Forest Council.
CNG-powered fire truck hits the market 10/10/2019 The Innovative Drive Line (iDL) series brings low emissions technology to the fire market immediately. While the first CNG-powered (H)LF 10 fire engine is now available for fire departments, many local authorities have been converting their fleets to natural gas-powered vehicles for years, successfully optimising their CO2 emissions.
Low emission vehicles for Mid-Devon District Council 30/09/2019 Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) has delivered the first vehicles of the new fleet in September 2019. The company was awarded a seven-year contract for the provision and maintenance of over 210 vehicles following a joint tender process by MDDC and Exeter City Council.
Bejing Daxing Airport takes on new de-icing vehicle technology 30/09/2019 The Boschung Group has announced the delivery of 22 airport de-icers to the new Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA).
Kärcher launches new MC 250 municipal sweeper 18/09/2019 Kärcher’s new MC 250 sweeper has been designed for municipal use in urban areas and is equipped with a low-emission Euro 6 or Stage V engine.
Phil Quelch becomes COO of GPFS 17/09/2019
CMS SupaTrak Shortlisted for National Technology Award 10/09/2019