New EU rules from 21 May, 2022, will mean that operators or users of vans and other light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes and up to 3.5 tonnes in weight that transport goods for hire and reward from the UK into, or through the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, will need an International Operators’ Licence.

Tyre company Continental has released a new version of its ContiConnect tyre management system: ContiConnect 2.0. The system allows tyre maintenance to take place exactly when it’s needed.

DKV Mobility has launched a partnership with the Truck Parking Europe platform. This enables DKV Mobility customers to reserve secured parking spots at more than 70 parking spots in 18 European countries in advance.

Drivers will be able to experience the full benefits of the first self-driving vehicles when they arrive, as government sets out how they should be driven safely on UK roads.

With the HGV driver shortage continuing to place pressure on UK supply chains, business group Logistics UK is urging HGV drivers who have left the workplace to consider rejoining the profession, with hundreds of spaces now available on government-funded refresher training courses, known as Skills Bootcamps.

An estimated eight million motorists in the UK are running the risk of fines of up to £1,000 each for sounding their vehicle’s horn inappropriately.

Hertfordshire-based In-Excess Removals has recently purchased two new vehicles in preparation for the company’s expansion into European moves and to meet increasingly stringent emission regulations.

According to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, in 2021, 90.2% of all light commercial vehicles registered in the EU ran on diesel. Petrol accounted for 3.8% of the market and, although sales of electric and hybrid vehicles were up, they still represent only 4.6% of the total market.

HGV drivers in the UK will benefit from a further £20 million of funding to improve roadside facilities, as part of continued government action to boost driver welfare and tackle the effects of the global driver shortage in the UK.

UK businesses will be encouraged to make the switch to electric power following the government’s decision to extend plug-in van and truck grants by a further two years.

The RHA (Road Haulage Association) is urging people in the commercial vehicle sector to get behind a new campaign to improve driver facilities.

Fleet transport insurance specialist, McCarron Coates, is urging HGV and other commercial vehicle drivers to act now on diesel spillages, to avoid themselves – and others - paying the price.

The number of HGV drivers in the UK fell by 49,000 in Q4 2021 compared to Q4 2019, according to the latest ONS statistics (Office for National Statistics), published by business group Logistics UK.

Logistics UK has launched affiliate membership for members of the Vehicle Body Repair Association (VBRA). This will give these businesses access to a variety of Logistics UK’s services and discounted rates on training courses, vehicle inspection services, Tachodisc analysis and fuel card products.

New statistics show that Volvo Trucks was the market leader for heavy all-electric trucks in Europe in 2021 with a market share of 42%. The company took orders, including letters of intent, for more than 1,100 electric trucks worldwide.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) has welcomed The Department for Transport’s decision to pause the roll-out of all-lane smart motorways in the UK.

Truck operators in the UK who tamper with their vehicles’ number plates in an attempt to avoid identification are to be targeted by DVSA (Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency).

American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) President and CEO Chris Spear has confirmed that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has withdrawn its vaccine-or-test emergency temporary standard (ETS).

Volvo Trucks has launched a new, patented safety feature for electric trucks – Active Grip Control. The new technology significantly improves stability, acceleration and braking in slippery conditions. Tests performed on a low friction surface showed 45% improvement at full acceleration.

Insurance broker McCarron Coates Ltd is urging HGV operators to not only be aware of the new changes to the Highway Code that come into force in the UK on January 29, but to also reflect on how the new ‘Hierarchy of Road Users’ affects their risk management.