Volkwagen UK Van Centres are now taking orders for the German manufacturer’s first all-electric panel van for the UK; the ABT eTransporter 6.1. Prices start from£42,060 + VAT, but no date has yet been given for delivery of the new zero emissions vehicle.

Following receipt of a letter from Michael Gove MP on 22 September detailing the UK government’s ‘reasonable worst-case scenario’ planning, the RHA remains extremely sceptical about the UK government’s readiness for the end of the Brexit transition period.

On 31 August the UK government launched an open consultation, ‘Pavement parking: options for change’, which will seek views on the often controversial subject of vehicles obstructing public footpaths in England. The consultation will close on 22 November, 2020.

The optimism resulting from Michael Gove’s swift response to the RHA chief executive’s urgent request for a roundtable meeting to discuss the UK government’s preparedness for the end of the Brexit transition was at best misplaced.

DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has announced how the roadworthiness testing of lorries and trailers in the UK will be managed in the coming months. From September 2020 to March 2021 a three-month extension will apply for all vehicles and trailers.

The UK Department for Transport has introduced changes to the Driver CPC regulations aimed at making the compulsory training more relevant to the individual requirements of HGV drivers.

Within a week of RHA Chief Executive, Richard Burnett making an urgent request to Michael Gove MP in his capacity as Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Association has received a reply from Mr Gove’s office confirming that he will arrange a roundtable discussion between industry representatives and members of the Cabinet Office.

​DKV Euro Service has started the pilot phase for its toll boxes in Italy. The mobility service provider will be the first certified provider of its own toll boxes for Italian motorways.

The new, recently launched Volvo FH with I-Save could slash costs by up to 10% compared to a truck without I-Save equipped with Volvo’s conventional 13-litre engine. Volvo says its own figures have been confirmed by independent tests as well as customers’ experience. ​

Haulage operators have slashed NOx emissions from trucks in the UK by at least 59% in only six years according to government statistics.

Important changes to drivers' hours and tachograph regulations were implemented by the UK government on 20 August.

According to a survey by Fleet Risk Management software specialist CameraMatics, most HGV drivers in the UK and Ireland do not carry out regular walkround checks, even though they should be part of every driver’s pre journey routine.

Logistics UK - formally the Freight Transport Association (FTA) - has reacted positively to the changes to the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) brought in on 22 July, 2020.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) says the EU's decision to impose full border customs checks from January 2021 highlights the need for urgent action from the UK government.

Tyre and vehicle equipment manufacturer Continental has launched a radar system that detects vulnerable cyclists and pedestrians and can be quickly and easily retrofitted to commercial vehicles.

Truck drivers on Austrian motorways and expressways have been provided with free protective masks and disinfectant during the coronavirus pandemic.

A COVID-19 update.

The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) has announced it will resume testing for heavy vehicles in the UK from 4 July.

To further increase vehicle and road safety, DAF Trucks has introduced an improved AEBS system for its complete range of LF, CF and XF models: AEBS-3.

European fuel and service card provider UTA has added Bulgaria to its toll service portfolio.